While it's widely known that Poe struggled with alcoholism throughout his life, the exact origins and triggers remain unclear.
Possible contributing factors:
* Early loss and grief: Poe lost his mother and foster mother at a young age, and these events could have contributed to his emotional vulnerability.
* Financial struggles: Poe was often financially unstable, which may have led to stress and self-medication.
* The literary world: The competitive and often harsh nature of the literary world in the 19th century could have contributed to his struggles.
It's important to note that:
* Speculation and conjecture: Many accounts of Poe's life and struggles are based on speculation and incomplete information.
* Lack of definitive sources: No reliable sources pinpoint a single event that sparked Poe's first drinking binge.
Focus on the complexities: It's likely that a combination of factors contributed to Poe's alcoholism, and it's important to recognize the complex nature of addiction.