End of Youth

This episode of Celebrate Poe delves into an extremely personal and influential time in the writer’s life - basically the end of his youth and decision to leave Richmond to become a writer.  This episode also deals with his relationship with Elmira Royster (his first - and later his last - love.)

The relationship between John Allan and Edgar is explored, as well as some of Edgar’s frustrations about John Allan’s expectations (typical father and son stuff!)



00:00 Intro
01:58 Courting Elmyra
03:57 Reflections on education and schools
05:08 Acceptance by John Allan
11:32 Family status in the South
13:99 Feelings for Elmyra
16:03 Cause for complaint
17:50 Christmas holidays 1826
20:28 Reflections on education and alcohol use
25:48 Young Poe makes a crucial decision
26:40 Letter to John Allan regarding decision
33:07 Future episodes
33:28 Sources
33:50 Outro

Who was Elmyra Roster?
How did Elmyra and Poe “flirt?”
Why might John Allan have pondered the advantages of a professional career?
In reality, what did you think John Allan was most upset about regarding Edgar?
Was Poe particularly worried by his drinking habits at the University?
How would you describe  the letter that Poe wrote to John Allan on March 19, 1827?