Edgar Allan Poe | Mental Health & Personality 

“The early 1800’s were a rough time as far as remaining alive..” Sounds like it.

The famous painter, Edvard Munch would be a good one to analyze. He painted “the scream“ along with many other emotive works. He had a tremendous amount of loss in his early life, but then there was a period as an adult were his life was much better. What’s so interesting is you can see it in his paintings.

I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity. Grande Rocks!

Alone by Edgar Allan Poe From childhood's hour I have not been As others were-I have not seen As others saw-I could not bring My passions from a common spring- From the same source I have not taken My sorrow-I could not awaken My heart to joy at the same tone- And all I lov'd-I lov'd alone- Then-in my childhood-in the dawn Of a most stormy life-was drawn From ev'ry depth of good and ill The mystery which binds me still- From the torrent, or the fountain- From the red cliff of the mountain- From the sun that 'round me roll'd In its autumn tint of gold- From the lightning in the sky As it pass'd me flying by- From the thunder, and the storm- And the cloud that took the form (When the rest of Heaven was blue) Of a demon in my view-

When I took a Psych 101 type class in college, the instructor gave us an assignment to pick a famous person who doesn't have a publicly known diagnosis of a mental illness, and we were suppose to write a paper of speculation on what thier diagnosis might be. I chose Edgar Allen Poe. My thoughts were that for someone to write the type of works he did, the macabre, that he probably had some sort of mental disorder. My unprofessional diagnosis was Bipolar disorder as it seemed he had highs and lows and moments of absence for several days at a time. I put alot of research and thought into that paper. 😊

Take a rest Dr. Grande. You have really grown your channel and deserve a break. Thanks for making the show.

“A rough time as far as remaining alive...” Relatable content...

I have not clicked on a video so fast! I find Edgar Allan Poe’s life and death so incredibly fascinating!

I totally get what you're staying with his wife's slow death. My grandpa died of a bone marrow/prostate cancer combo. I visited him all the time, up until he died. As much as I dreaded the thought of him actually dying, I remember feeling strangely relieved when I got the call that he had passed. I felt like his suffering was over, which in turn ended my suffering Sometimes death isn't the worst thing...

I am a closet literature fan. In high school, I loved literature so much that I couldn't wait to get to class after lunch. None of my friends knew because I literally knew no one who enjoyed literature. I learned about Edgar Allan Poe in high school literature class and found him curious. He made an impression on my young mind. I can remember feeling quite gloomy learning about him. Sure didn't make me want to race to class, that's for sure. He experienced a lot of loss, and I think that when one experiences a lot of losses, particularly at a young age, it *can* interfere with that carefreeness that commonly goes along with being young. I feel compassion for him. Life seemed hard back in the 1800s and I'm glad I wasn't around during that time. I can't say for certain I would have fared better than he. Thank you for this! ♥

That's a good point: after years of illness, after my dad died, a part of me was quite happy being done with doctors and hospitals.

Quoth the Doctor: "You are high in neuroticism, Poe."

One of my favorite authors and a fellow Baltimorean!!! One of my favorite people analyzing another one of my favorite people... 😍😍😍

I’m a lifelong Marylander and love attending the International Poe Fest in October. This year it’s virtual, for obvious reasons. Fun times in Baltimore!

Another very interesting video. Long ago, when I was studying the literature in the university, much more emphasis was placed on Poe's opium use, and less on the alcohol. Given the paucity of hard evidence, this may reflect the attitudes in our culture about various drugs [including alcohol] at various times. This is, on a number of levels, an extremely thought-provoking video.

Thank you for "fleshing out" a rather enigmatic figure to me, Dr. Grande. I studied Edgar Allen Poe's works in school and also love his poem "The Raven," but didn't realize his many struggles. Sounds like a hard slog for the poor man, so I thank you for sharing his very tragic background. It adds another dimension to his works for me.

I’ve been to his grave several times , placed black roses on his tombstone 🥀 . And went to the bar where he had his last drink in fells point. His house I saw , but didn’t go into. It’s in the middle of the projects . It’s not a very nice environment, but his house of course is a historic site

Makes sense why several teachers worried about me because he was my favorite writer. Got it.

When I was 16 I was obsessed with Poe. I read all his works, all biographies about him and collected pictures of him, and things related to him. I tried to figure out the mystery of his death for years and was fascinated by the unknown person that would leave a half full bottle of cognac and red roses on his grave on Poe's birthday. IDK the exact reason why I was obsessed with his life, other than to say... Teenager.

Could you analyze the poet Sylvia Plath at some point?

Ooooooooh, what about the painter Vincent van Gogh?

Another excellent analysis, as usual, and I even learned some things I didn’t know....that he served in the Army, and was accepted to Westpoint. Given how he ended up, I can only imagine what his military career might have looked like, especially if he was an officer of any ranking! Thanks!

Nice! I live in Richmond and there's a tiny museum dedicated to Poe about 15-20 minutes from me. I always feel sad when I think of him. Not sure why. Thanx Dr.G!

What a fascinating analysis! I love EAP's writing! The first time my parents left me alone in the house, I settled down in the family room and began The Murders in the Rue Morgue. What a mistake that was. I think I was 11 or 12 years old and I was absolutely petrified. I turned on all the lights in the house and could have sworn I heard someone breathing in the bedroom, though I was far too frightened to check. I don't think I have ever been so happy to see my parents. I would love to see more analyses of historical figures. Great video!

I became my parents’ love letter to the horror genre when they decided to give me “Raven” as a middle name. I guess they loved this poem so much they couldn’t imagine not using it. Thanks mom and pops! ❤️

While he’s known for horror and I do love horror, he actually also wrote my favorite romance quote too. “And we loved with a love that was more than love” from the poem Annabel Lee

I’ve had a fascination with Alan Poe since childhood, even though my perception of his “persona” felt alienated from reality ... it is very difficult to explain, anyway, my favorite part is: Leave my loneliness unbroken!-quit the bust above my door! Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!" Quoth the Raven "Nevermore." Thanks Dr Grande ❤️

"Maybe he was indifferent to life and death" - I think you nailed Poe in a nutshell with that closing line. Another great one.

Elon Musk personality profile PLEASE

Thank you for this speculation on Eddie's mental health. He was a brilliant writer and poet...with a hard life. Yes, lots of red flags intertwined with a long string of excessive stressors. Very tragic and sad life.

Thank you for your analysis on Edgar Allan Poe who is a favourite poet of mine! Throughout his life he experienced heartbreak, tragedy and immeasurable loss. He certainly had great facility with words and expression and was able to share his innermost thoughts and feelings in a deep and profound way. The tone of his poetry was very sombre and melancholy so he may have been suffering from depression. It would be understandable given his complex and difficult history. Ironically, the pain and loss he experienced throughout his life informed some of his greatest works. He was a pantheon in the world of poets and poetry. Anyway, appreciate all the diverse topics you research and share with us! .

I know this is a sad story but seeing this video notification made my day!

How about Henry the Vlll and Winston Churchill? Thanks Dr. Grande.

You really researched his life and delivered a great analysis! While I enjoyed his writing, I felt he was in emotional pain..poor guy suffered through so much loss..

I appreciate the people taking the time to type in a couple of Poe's poems! My favorite was "The Bells". His works were genius! Thank you, Dr. Grande for this excellent analysis!

What about a video on the topic of art therapy and how artists throughout history may have been using art as a coping mechanism? Or any more videos about various artists and creatives would be awesome! :)

Interesting change of pace, Dr. Grande. If we imagine Poe doing an apology video, we'll get some idea of how times have changed. I lived in Providence for many years and Poe is part of the local legend and lore. I've walked by the Whitman House many times, and by and in and through the Providence Atheneum, the oldest private library in America and one of their meeting places. Her parents called off their marriage, but she, a poet herself, remained loyal to him, his work and reputation, for the rest of her life. Some people claim to have seen Poe walking near her house late at night. (Lovecraft, who worshipped Poe, is still an important literary presence in Providence, too.) Years ago, I read the Jeffrey Meyers bio of Poe, and it's quite good. I enjoy your literary profiles and hope to see more of them. Hemingway was a great American "head case" and seems to provide endless material for psychological speculation. Others here have suggested Sylvia Plath, and I find her interesting, too. Thanks, again.

Could you do Vincent Van Gogh? Many people's favourite painter (including myself)

It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on H.P. Lovecraft, Dr. Grande.

Dr. Grande, you are brilliant! Poe and Hemingway are my two favorite authors. I watch every video. Thank you. God bless you and your family. Can you please do an analysis of my favorite painter, Vincent Van Gogh?

Suggestion : Klaus Kinski (famous german actor) i believe he was diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder

This is easily my favorite channel on RU-vid, thank you son much for making these educational videos! 🙏

Next up, Dr. Grande reciting "The Raven" for us 😄!

Oh yeah!!! Dropped everything to watch this!

When it rains it Poe’s

Thank you for this, one of my favorite authors! While I love your sense of humor I so appreciate you refraining from indulging. I always felt, based on the many biographies, that he was in line with bipolar and certainly Alcohol use disorder. I think you could make the case for Opium Use Disorder as well. Certainly the irritability, risk taking, depression, and described manic periods point to a mood disorder, my two cents anyway. As disagreeable as he was reported to be, I would have loved for the chance to sit with him for an hour. Lord Byron runs a close second. Another great job!

I have always found the story and life of Edgar Allan Poe fascinating. Annabelle Lee was my favorite verse he authored. Thanks for this "inside look" at the mind of a mesmerizing writer.

E. A. POE!!! Thank you so much! It is so cool to be able to get a tighter grasp on the mental health and personality factors of such profound creative people. His writings ✍ really influenced my teen years. There used to be a nice little E.A.Poe museum in Richmond VA, but it has been over a decade since I visited it. .... So many people have substance abuse issues; it is too bad because those addictions take so many talented people away too soon. Thank you so much, Dr. Grande!!!! 🧜‍♀️ 🧜‍♀️ 🧜‍♀️

I'd love to hear Dr G's take on Marcel Proust!

Awesome discussion Dr. Grande! You frequently out do yourself! My "FBI son" had to be treated for tuberculosis after being spat on by a gang member. Not one of things Hollywood includes in their action movie plot lines. I love that you are open to using word analysis as a tool, but not as the only tool. Two top notch Doctors could have identical psychological data, and still differ on causation. I enjoyed the Alan Parsons project musical interpretation of Poe's work. :) Thanks again doc for a truly content rich video. I must confess, I wish I could see your bloopers and outtakes. ;)

Could you please please please do an analysis of Joseph Smith Jr. the Mormon prophet

This is a really cool direction, diving into writers and artists. Another possible source of content could be analyzing literary figures like Hamlet, Narcissus or Jane Eyre. One author I think everyone would love a video on is Sylvia Plath.

Dr Grande Now this is a really interesting episode. Please, do more literary or historical figures. Or maybe some crazy musical geniuses. Any chance of longer episodes? Selfish I know, I just think many are left wishing for more of your analysis. Great. love from Ireland.

This is an incredibly interesting analysis. Thank you! I would love to hear more historical analysis such as Lincoln or other presidents and public figures.

Thank you for another interesting video. I started reading Poe’s work when I was 13, and still enjoy it today among other authors of that time period such as Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky. That being said, this is the most fair and I would say more reasoned profile of Poe I’ve come across in a long time. It always seemed like most people who would talk about Poe and his life and work would usually do so in ways that reduced him down to a degenerate drunk, a womanizer or both. This profile you did showed an objective balance between his short-comings and of his talent as a writer. Thanks again for the video, and I’ll continue watching when new videos become available. James Heady

This is an interesting video. I have avoided Poe thinking most of his writings were too dark, negative...now I think I will read more of his work from a new perspective. Thank you

The Raven about this video will be aproPOE.

I can relate to how he was not in a state of depression after losing his wife. I once had a cat who was very sick, everyday I thought she was going to die. She was like that for 3 years before she actually died. I was surprised myself by my ability to recover from grief at that time. instead of grief i was more relieved, because I knew that the cat didn't have to suffer anymore and was relieved because I was free from the worry that I used to feel every day when the cat still alive. Still miss her sometimes tho.

I'd love if you could do an analysis of Stanley Kubrick. The man is such a mystery.

The early 1800s was a rough time in terms of... remaining alive...” Well said doc. Now I feel a bit small for complaining about how I get 50 cable channels that I don’t even watch.

Oh, no! Dr. Grande, of wit extraordinaire and thorough research, isn't perfect! I'm devastated!😪 If Poe attempted to OD in 1948, as you'd said, he'd have set a world record for life span. He was born in 1809. Lol! It's all right. I got a chuckle from it. I've read everything that Poe had ever written and The Raven is my favorite poem, as well. Stories?? Tie between The Fall of the House of Usher and The Oblong Box. Thanks for the information about his life. His was such a melancholy personality that reeked from the poems and stories that he wrote. Very strange that his COD papers are missing!

An “average” life expectancy of 37 means nothing, as it does not allow for the high infant mortality rate in that period. It’s true there were fewer effective medicines available at that time, but if you could survive to adulthood, you had a pretty good chance of making it to old age. When are you going to do John Wilkes Booth, Dr G? Come on, you know you want to!

Oh shit you've gone and done Poe. And on a Friday night no less. Alright guys let's grab the booze and see what this is about. Gonna have to post this on FB for all my Poe fanatics.

You're fabulous Dr. Grande. It's enriching to have this deeper understanding of significant historical figures. I love it. Thank you.

Could you do a video on Victoria after Albert died or Lincoln after his son’s death? I love your videos. My Goth 19th century heart was so excited when I saw the title. Or Sir Alfred Russel Wallace and spiritualism?

I am very embarrassed to admit that I have never read any of Poe's works. But I did enjoy learning about him and a little bit about his life. It does seem like he went through a lot of loss as a very young child. Again another sad story. Thank you Dr Grande. Have an enjoyable weekend.

Yayyyy for Edgar Allan Poe, thank you Dr. Grande!

Im an avid fan. Thank you for all of your work, and presence in my life. Have you done a video like this for H.P. Lovecraft yet?

Poe! So interesting. BTW, nice shirt color!

I loved this vid! Poe is my favorite, too. I am haunted by his stories about pale, slowly dying women, clearly a result of his lifetime losses. It's a series of stories titled with female names, as well as the Fall of the House of Usher and the Oval Portrait. I would love to see more videos about the mental health and personality of figures like Lovecraft, Van Gogh, Beethoven, Rachmaninov, etc. Russian writers and artists in particular are extremely interesting to me in terms of mental health!

Great video. I love Poe. It is fascinating to hear about his mental status throughout his life. I’m grateful that he lived long enough and was emotionally strong enough to write imo masterpieces that will forever be enjoyed.

Great video, thank you! Could we have a vid on death row groupies?

I like the highbrow ones, thank you 😁

Devoured with relish! Your acumen is thrilling! Keep it up! Cheers Doc!

Yeeees! I've been waiting for this topic, I'm so glad you covered it. 💕

Frances Bernard here. Thanks you Dr. Grande. So interesting of a life story. My aunt [through marriage] when young got scarlet fever which damaged her heart. Then while she was becoming mother to 12 children she came down with Tuberculosis too. None of that stopped her from then producing art and doing crafts like making quilts from recycled clothing. One of her quilts ended up in the museum because it was so good. My aunt Rose enjoyed a 'normal' for white women life expectancy of around 67 years. Her husband, a French Canadian too - was lost 10 years earlier in his 50's. Her favorite inspiration for art was nature like birds. Anything about birds in a motif back then was popular. Now because of vaccines for things like Tuberculosis, German MEasles, Chicken Pox and now Shingles too people are living a lot longer with a much better quality of life. In the last 60 years medicine has advanced so much faster. Furthermore, slavery did not end in Poe's day nor did it right away soon after the American civil war in 1865 end. Instead the share cropping and long 10 year apprenticeship programs began which continued the imbalance of power between groups like the African, Indigenous and Celtic peoples who were more often enslaved during the 18th to about the first half of the 20th century too. Poe was probable of mixed heritage instead of being fully part of any ruling class while being intelligent which could not be recognized back then readily unless a person was well connected too. As he got older he may have become alcoholic and so he could no longer have just one drink to help ease any pain when other alternatives were far more addicting.

Incredible work Dr. Grande! I've had a fascination with Poe and his writings ever since I was a kid (and got a book of his work through scholastics), and love your breakdown of his life and what might have brought about his end. It's important to note he wasn't so much a sick and twisted man, as a depressed and suffering one, and you did a great job in bringing together the details of his life (some of which I wasn't aware of) into an impressive psychological picture of the writer. Thanks!

I remember learning about Poe in 7th grade, because my teacher loved him and had us reading a lot of his work and it really spoke to me being a young writer myself from a broken home and a lot of problems that twelve year olds shouldn't be having. I didn't realize until then just how much your own turmoil reflects in your work for better or worse and after that I actually started hiding my work, carrying it around in a binder with me as if someone were waiting for the chance to lunge and steal it. I never really write in first person, so I wonder what could be deduced from my own work under the eyes of analysis.

I am late! Hi Dr. Grande and everyone, have a nice weekend. 💙

Thank you, Dr. Grande, that was so excellent. What do you think about the correlation between depression and other mental illnesses and creativity? Poe and Van Gogh being two examples.

"Once upon a midnight dreary.."

Dr. Grande, Have you done a Mental health profile on Lorena Bobbitt? That would sound interesting. Love the deadpan humor. To me, that's a highlight of your channel, being a jester myself.

I adore your videos! Please keep making content! Your analysis and evaluation of various topics and people are always easily digestible and ultimately entertaining to follow along with! Thank you for the time and energy you dedicate to your channel. It doesn't go unappreciated 🙏

Thank you for the compassionate and well rounded description of Poe and what he might have gone through. This is just awesome.

Thank you so much for one more truly interesting analysis, Dr Grande. I studied Poe at university and your video brings a lot of new interesing information to it. Fantastic artist.

Dr Grande, I've been looking forward to your videos every day. I was driving home wondering what subject you would cover next, so obviously I was beyond stoked to see a video on my favorite writer! With the amount of serial killers and dark subject matter you cover, it's no surprise you too are a fan of Poe! Many, many thanks!

He was brilliant. It’s such a pity that he struggled financially, with alcoholism, and depression. I wonder if his writing had received the recognition he deserved in his day if he might have lived longer. It’s probably doubtful because he couldn’t control the alcoholism. “The Raven” is melancholy but beautiful with such a musical quality like most of his poems and sometimes his prose. It has always fascinated me that he wrote the first mystery story. Thanks for another thoughtful analysis.

“The Cask of Amontillado” is one of the most chilling stories I have ever read. He asked to be expelled? Weird! Why did he not just quit? He married his 13-year old cousin.🤔

I've always felt very drawn to Poe, his stories and poems hold a special power that cannot be easily described, only felt. I live in Baltimore & had visited his grave on a midnight tour once, it's a night I'll never forget; often I am in the car & there's a stoplight just at the corner of that church he's at. His tombstone is right at the edge next to the gate to get in - more often than not, that gate is open and you can see his engraved portrait watching you curiously. Then the light at the stoplight turns green & you move on. But Poe stays there, the gate open and waiting.... I really appreciated this video - I never thought about it but was not surprised to hear that his work indicated a less depressed period after the death of his wife. It makes perfect sense that as much as he grieved her loss, it was a relief compared to waiting & watching her slowly die, also makes sense that after 5 years of this he would have had plenty of time to come to terms with this which explains how he was able to move on to other romantic relationships. That always baffled me but I'm grateful to have a deeper understanding. Thanks, Doc! Further question: was it typical at the time to marry a cousin? I believe she's his 1st cousin, he's buried with Maria Poe Clemm who's said to be his aunt & mother-in-law. Does that show any other indications of his mental health - perhaps that due to his separation from his family at such a young age it predisposed him to be inclined to marry a relative? For some sort of comfort/trauma healing, I mean? Knowing the life expectancy I'm less startled by how young she was, she was of child-bearing age & I'm sure that's all that really mattered when you were expected to live to late-30s & infant mortality was probably a nasty probability on its own.

This is my all time favorite video of yours, Dr. Grande! I have long loved the stories and poetry of E.A.Poe and a better understanding of that lonely historical figure is extremely valuable. Thank you so much!

Wow, I’m sure this will be interesting! Dr. Grande’s videos serve a great purpose by informing us in this way.

I believe I own every available published work of Poe’s. I found him in elementary school, where The Raven was required by the curriculum. This is from the way back machine. I was hooked. Even as a sixth grader I recognized his tormented soul. Thank you, Dr. Grande.

Excellent analysis, Dr. Grande! Always look forward to your videos. I am loving the new graphics, by the way.

Love your channel. Thanks for all your knowledge and sharing it with your audience.

Would love to see an analysis on hitler

I love this! Dr. G you always come through on the weekends!❤️

That was very illuminating. I personally really love Poe's works. His use of language is simply beautiful.

“and all I loved I loved alone. Edgar Allan Poe” Poe is my fav writer, thank you always for these educational videos Doctor watching your videos is my best activity during the quarantine.

This was great to watch! Poe was such a mysterious figure due to the study of his poems and not the man himself in school. I don't know if anyone has pointed this out but I think you said 1948 instead of 1848 at 7:50. It only matters because I was shocked to hear 1948 and though he lived so close to our era.

I absolutely love Edgar Alan Poe❤️ Thanks for this video, Dr Grande 😊