Investigating Edgar Allan Poe's Death

Introduction

You are the lead investigator of the death of Edgar Allan Poe. Gather the evidence that you need to support a specific theory that ultimately proves the mysterious death of Edgar Allan Poe. Can you solve the puzzle?

Task

We have watched documentaries and read informational text to learn about the challenging and depressing life of Edgar Allan Poe. Even through all of the knowledge that has been acquired and shared about Edgar Allan Poe, one question still remains: How did Edgar Allan Poe die?

You will research the multiple beliefs behind Edgar Allan Poe's death. Then, using your research, you will write an argumentative paper explaining specifically how you believe that Edgar Allan Poe died. Your paper must consist of evidence from the sources and should focus on one specific theory behind his death that you have chosen to prove. Along with supporting your theory, you should also provide a statement/paragraph that opposes your theory and a rebuttal that would prove the opposing theory incorrect.  You must use at least three different sources in conducting your research paper.

  • Outline, credible resources, MLA citation guide, and further instructions provided in the PROCESS tab
  • Grading rubric is provided in the EVALUATION tab

You will have three days in the lab, use your time wisely!

Process

1. Research - Use the following cites to research the multiple theories behind Edgar Allan Poe's death. First, read through at least three sources and choose two theories that you believe are the most reliable and provable theories.

**Other sites may be used; however, make sure that they are credible sources.

Then, complete the chart given to you by your teacher to collect data on the two theories that you believe are the most provable. The chart is provided below and can be copied to your goggle doc if needed. 

Theory 1: Poe died due to ________

Proof 1:

Evidence

Explanation

Proof 2: 

Evidence

Explanation

Proof 3: 

Evidence

Explanation
Theory 2: Poe died from  __________

Proof1: 

Evidence

Explanation

Proof 2: 

Evidence

Explanation

Proof 3: 

Evidence

Explanation

 

2. Next, choose one of the two theories that you researched as the primary theory of Edgar Allan Poe's death. **THIS MEANS THAT YOUR ENTIRE ESSAY SHOULD FOCUS ON ONE THEORY OF HIS DEATH** Choose the theory that you have the best evidence and explanation for. Using your chart, complete the outline provided. 

 

3. Now, using your outline, write a two page essay that explains your theory as to how Edgar Allan Poe died. Each paragraph should contain a quote and a detailed explanation proving your theory. Each paragraph should build upon the next making your argument strong. If a direct quote is used from a source then the quote must be citied using correct MLA format. YOU MUST HAVE A WORKS CITED PAGE (this does not count as one of the two pages required).