10 Surprising Facts About Edgar Allan Poe:"Is Edgar Allan Poe considered the model for Sherlock Holmes?"

 

Edgar Allan Poe, well-known to us as 'Annabel Lee,' is a literary genius famous for dark and suspenseful horror stories such as "The Raven" and "Fall of the House of Usher." However, did you know that Poe's contributions as a writer go far beyond the realms of horror and detective novels? In this text, we will explore 10 surprising facts about Poe.

 

1. Pioneer of Science Fiction:

 

While Poe is best known for his horror stories, he also made significant contributions to the early science fiction genre. His short story "The Unparalleled Adventures of One Hans Pfall" explores adventure, space travel, and encounters with extraterrestrial beings, later inspiring the works of Jules Verne. In the novel "The Story of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket," the protagonist embarks on a voyage to Antarctica, encountering strange creatures and exploring mysterious cultures.

 

2. Cryptography Expert:

 

Poe's knowledge of cryptography contributed to deciphering Japan's plans during the Midway attack in World War II. His novel "The Gold Bug" was used for cryptographic education, and Poe even assigned puzzles to readers, challenging them to submit and decipher codes.

 

3. Feud with Longfellow:

 

In 1841, Poe requested praise from writer and modern language professor Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who declined due to a busy schedule. This led Poe to criticize and accuse Longfellow of plagiarism, sparking a public literary feud. While Poe attacked Longfellow for plagiarism and criticized his work, Longfellow chose to ignore Poe's attacks. The "war" eventually ended when Poe apologized for his statements.

 

4. Propagator of Fake News:

 

In 1844, Poe wrote a fake news article about an Irishman crossing the Atlantic in a hot-air balloon. The story quickly spread through New York newspapers, damaging Poe's credibility. However, it revealed his desire for recognition from the press.

 

5. Inspiration for Sherlock Holmes:

 

Considered a precursor to modern detective novels, Poe's character C. Auguste Dupin is believed to have inspired the iconic detective character "Sherlock Holmes," created by Arthur Conan Doyle. Dupin's reliance on logic and observation to solve crimes closely resembles Sherlock Holmes.

 

6. Myth of Drug Addiction:

 

The claim that Poe was a chronic drug addict lacks strong evidence. While he may have experimented with opium occasionally, there is no evidence of regular use. This myth likely originated from rumors spread by opponents after his death.

 

7. Resolution of the Mary Rogers Murder:

 

Poe's short story "The Mystery of Marie Rogêt" is based on the real-life Mary Rogers murder case. The story follows Dupin as he investigates the case and forms his own theory about the murderer.

 

8. Prediction of the Big Bang Theory:

 

Poe's poem "Eureka" bears a striking resemblance to the Big Bang theory. In the poem, Poe describes the universe starting from a single point and expanding thereafter. Poe challenged contemporary cosmological theories and foresaw 20th-century scientific developments.

 

9. Death due to cooping?

 

The exact cause of Poe's death remains unknown. He was found in a delirious state on the streets of Baltimore and died a few days later. Some believe he fell victim to the common 19th-century election fraud known as "cooping," where citizens were kidnapped, forced to vote for a particular candidate, and coerced to vote multiple times. Others speculate about alcohol addiction, rabies, or other causes. Research suggests his symptoms before his death were similar to the prevalent cholera in the U.S. at that time.

 

10. Posthumous Mystery:

 

Even after his death, mysteries surround Poe. Elizabeth Doten claimed that Poe's soul possessed her, leading her to write "Poems from the Inner Life" in 1863. Critics largely dismissed her claims. Poe's legacy persists in popular culture, and his unique writing style and exploration of dark themes continue to influence future generations of writers across the horror, science fiction, and detective genres. He remains a crucial figure in American literature, with adaptations of his works into numerous films, TV shows, and video games. His life and works still captivate readers with dark and imaginative stories, making his literary contributions immeasurable.