Ep 17. Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive
- October 30, 2017
In season 29, episode 17 of American Masters, viewers are introduced to the tragic life of Edgar Allan Poe in "Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive." This episode is a detailed account of Poe's life and his struggles with depression, alcoholism, and poverty.
Starting with his childhood, viewers learn that Poe was born into a family of actors who struggled financially. His father abandoned the family when Poe was just three years old, and his mother died shortly after from tuberculosis. Poe was then taken in by a wealthy couple, but he never felt like he belonged.
As Poe grew older, he struggled to find his place in the world. He attended the University of Virginia but was forced to drop out due to financial difficulties. He enrolled in the military but was dismissed for failing to follow orders. Eventually, Poe found his calling as a writer and began publishing his stories and poems.
The episode highlights some of Poe's most famous works, including "The Raven" and "The Tell-Tale Heart." It explores his fascination with death and the macabre and how this influenced his writing.
The episode also delves into Poe's personal life, including his tumultuous relationship with his wife, Virginia. Virginia was his first cousin and just 13 years old when they married. The couple faced many challenges, including financial struggles and Virginia's declining health. She died from tuberculosis at the young age of 24.
As Poe's fame grew, so did his drinking problem. He struggled with alcoholism for much of his life, and this impacted his work and personal relationships. He often had outbursts of anger and fell out of favor with some of his colleagues.
As the episode comes to a close, viewers learn about Poe's mysterious death. He was found in a state of delirium on the streets of Baltimore and was taken to a hospital. He died a few days later at the age of 40. The cause of his death is still unknown, and the circumstances surrounding his final days remain shrouded in mystery.
Overall, "Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive" is a fascinating look at the life of one of America's greatest writers. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of Poe's struggles and the impact they had on his work. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the dark and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe.
