Background:
- Poe: Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1809. His parents, David Poe Jr. and Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins Poe, were both actors and died when Poe was young. He was taken in by John and Frances Allan, a wealthy childless couple from Richmond, Virginia.
- Allan: John Allan was born in Scotland in 1780 and immigrated to the United States in his youth. He became a successful merchant in Richmond, Virginia. He and his wife, Frances Allan, never had children of their own.
Personalities:
- Poe: Poe was known for his sensitive, artistic, and introspective nature. He had a deep interest in literature, poetry, and mystery. He was also prone to depression and alcohol abuse, which affected his personal and professional life.
- Allan: Allan was a practical and business-minded man. He valued hard work, discipline, and financial stability. He expected the same from those around him, including Poe. Their differing personalities and expectations often led to conflicts and misunderstandings.
Relationship:
- Adoption: John and Frances Allan took in Poe as a young child, but they never officially adopted him. Poe grew up with the surname "Allan," but he legally adopted the name "Edgar Allan Poe" in 1827, possibly due to his strained relationship with John Allan.
- Expectations: Allan expected Poe to follow a traditional path of education and career, like studying business or law. However, Poe had a passion for literature and writing, which did not align with Allan's expectations. This difference led to tension between them.
- Financial Support: Allan provided financial support to Poe during his early education, but he grew disappointed with Poe's lack of interest in business and his extravagant spending. Allan eventually cut off financial support, leading to a breakdown in their relationship.
In summary, Edgar Allan Poe and John Allan had contrasting personalities and backgrounds, which influenced their relationship. Poe's artistic temperament and his struggles with addiction clashed with Allan's practical nature and expectations of conformity. Their differences and conflicts ultimately strained their relationship and contributed to Poe's decision to leave home and forge his own path as a writer.