As we delve into the life of Edgar Allan Poe, one of America’s most celebrated writers, we can’t help but be captivated by the mystery surrounding his death. On October 7, 1849, Poe was found on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland, in a delirious state and was taken to a hospital where he died four days later. Despite the many theories surrounding his death, the cause of his death remains a mystery to this day.

One theory is that Poe died of alcoholism, as he was known to struggle with alcohol addiction throughout his life. Poe’s heavy drinking may have led to his untimely death, as alcohol abuse can cause a variety of health problems, including liver damage and brain damage.

Another theory is that he died of tuberculosis, a disease that was common in the 19th century. Poe may have contracted the disease and it eventually led to his death. Symptoms of tuberculosis include a persistent cough, weight loss, and fever, which may have been the cause of Poe’s delirium.

A third theory is that he fell victim to “cooping,” a form of voter fraud in which people were kidnapped and forced to vote multiple times for a certain candidate. Poe may have been kidnapped and forced to vote repeatedly, which could have led to his delirium and eventual death.

Some even believe that Poe’s death was a murder, with some speculating that he was killed by political enemies or by individuals with a grudge against him. However, there is no concrete evidence to support any of these theories.

Despite the many theories surrounding Poe’s death, it remains one of the greatest mysteries in American literature. His death was as mysterious as the tales he wrote, which continue to captivate readers to this day. Poe’s legacy lives on through his works, including “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” which are considered some of the greatest works of American literature.

In conclusion, the death of Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most mysterious and intriguing events in American literary history. His death remains a mystery to this day, with several theories about what may have caused it, including alcoholism, tuberculosis, and cooping, but none of these theories have concrete evidence to support them. Poe’s legacy continues to live on through his works, which are considered some of the greatest in American literature. Let’s celebrate the life and works of this literary genius and remember him for the amazing stories he left behind, rather than focusing on how he died.