Males in the Life and Stories of Poe

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beings. Poe wanted to get as close as possible to real male figures so he developed intimacy with fictional ones.

In both stories, the narrators assist their friends with a problem they are experiencing. Roderick asks and receives help because of his peculiar ailments and dying sister. Even after years of absense, he knew the narrator would show up, displaying a high level of trust and hope in the character. The narrator from the Red Morgue loyally follows Dupin on his detective quest, watching him piece the puzzle together and offering any advice or opinion to give him an extra guidance. These are healthy relationships with sets up people that help and nourish each other in difficult times. In his life, Poe did not receive any assistance, even when asking for it from his stepfather. Poe wrote to John Allan asking for help in difficult financial times and was ignored, "I received this on the 10th and did not from its conclusion deem it necessary to reply. I make this note on the 13th and can see no reason to alter my opinion". He ignored him for years, leaving Poe to struggle on his own. His characters are on the opposite end of the spectrum, caring for each other in ways Poe could only imagine. He craved for that type of selfless care and affection, molding his characters to look out for one another while he was left in the cold.

Poe’s complicated and often times unfortunate life led him to create worlds where men possessed loyal companions who took care of one another in dark times. He was truly a ladies’ man, unable to form relationships with men after his own father left him and the next potential positive male figure virtually did the same, leaving him to face the world on his own. He could only place himself in fictional stories where everything he lacked was possible. It was known that he swooned over beautiful women and did not feel whole without a steady romantic relationship in his life, but now the truth of the entire situation is known. He was starving for male friendship as well, fulfilling his dreams for his characters.