Edgar Allan Poe was an excellent 18th-century writer of horror, suspense, and mystery. His use of literary devices and different literary techniques makes this writer important to American literature. This article will show how Edgar Allan Poe impacted American society and literature as well as how Edgar Allan Poe developed the short story. I will also discuss and analyze some of his works and techniques that he uses in his short stories and poems.Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 19, 1809. His parents, who were actors, died when Poe was a little child. . Poe was later adopted and raised by John Allan, a tobacco exporter, and Frances Allan in Richmond, Virginia (Magill, 1640). Poe was sent to top schools because of Allan's work. When Poe was six years old, he was sent to a private school. Poe continued his education and went to the University of Virginia for a year. After a year at college, Poe left school because Allan refused to pay his debts and he had no money to pay for his education. Poe later left Boston in 1827 where he enlisted in the army. Poe served two years in the army after leaving school. After two years in the army, Poe was discharged for neglect of duty. His adoptive father then permanently disowned him. He only stayed there a short time because Allan, once again, refused to send money to Poe. (Hoffman, Daniel)Edgar Allan Poe traveled to New York where he had some of his work published. He submitted his stories to several magazines and they were all rejected. Poe had no friends, no job, and he was struggling financially. He wrote a letter to John Allan but he did not help Poe with his financial problems. Four years later, in 1835, Poe finally had... middle of paper ... story writers from all over the world. Although he had an unusual, unique and peculiar way of writing, he nevertheless had a great influence and impact on the society of his time, up to the present day. Poe's writing changed the way writers today write about love, pride, beauty, and death. Works Cited Buranelli, Vincent. "Edgar Allan Poe". October 28, 2009. Carlsen, G. Robert. Lighting Themes in Literature. New York: Webster Division, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1967. Hoffman, Daniel. "Biography of Edgar Allan Poe". October 26, 2009 “Literary elements used by Poe”. 123HelpMe.com. January 7, 2010. Magill, Frank N. Volume 5. New York: Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 1991. Walker, Tara. The Raven. Canada: Ryan Prize, 2006