Introduction
On September 26, 1849, Edgar Allan Poe departed from his new fiancé, headed for Baltimore. Some reports say that at that time, he had a weak pulse and a fever. He stopped to visit an acquaintance on the way out of town, and mistakenly and uncharacteristically left with a man's walking stick.
On October 3, he was found in Baltimore - delirious and wearing someone elses's clothes. For days he drifted in and out of a delirious stupor, waking on October 7 only to say, "Lord, help my poor soul," just before he took his last breath.
What exactly caused a healthy 40-year-old man to die under such suspicious circumstances? Scholars and historians identify around 20 possible theories! Though we may never prove beyond a shadow of doubt what caused Poe's demise, the mystery and speculation surrounding his death gives us something to consider. It is a fitting end to the life of the "Father of the Detective Story" ... a real-life, unsolvable mystery!
Task
Your job is to investigate Edgar Allan Poe's death by reading informational and various theories of his death, including some recent discoveries that have changed the minds of some scholars.
After reading, you must decide what (or WHOM) YOU think killed Edgar Allan Poe, using at least three facts or details to back up your theory. You will then create a PowerPoint presentation explaining your theory.
Process
Discover for yourself! Visit the following websites and web pages to see what others have said about Poe's mysterious death.
Poe Museum - List of Possible Theories
http://www.poemuseum.org/life-death.php
Smithsonian - The Top Nine Theories
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/still-mysterious-death-edgar-allan-poe-180952936/
Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore - Three Theories
http://www.eapoe.org/geninfo/poedeath.htm
Your decision?
By now, you should have some theory in mind. How do YOU think Edgar Allan Poe died? Remember, you need at least THREE reasons (facts or details) to support your theory.
Evaluation
After you complete all of that mentally-draining detective work, it's time to create and present a PowerPoint presentation of your theory.
Here are the requirements:
1) Title Slide
Your name(s), your chosen theory, a picture.
2) Theory Explanation Slide
An explanation of the details surrounding your theory.
3) Reason #1 Slide
A fact or detail supporting why you think your chosen theory is correct.
4) Reason #2 Slide
Another fact or detail supporting why you think your chosen theory is correct.
5) Reason #3 Slide
The final fact or detail supporting why you think your chosen theory is correct.
6) Conclusion SlideA summary of your findings. Restate your chosen theory and your supporting evidence.
***You will then present your PowerPoint to the class.
Total = 6 PowerPoint Slides
Conclusion
Now that we know a little bit more about the death of this Master of Mystery, shrouded in suspense, perhaps we can better understand his writing ...
I hope you enjoyed the Web Quest! 
Teacher Page
Miss Clair is a English / Special Education teacher at Charleroi Area High School. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Special Education - both from Slippery Rock University.