Edgar Allan Poe's Rabies Theory

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Edgar Poe’s Mysterious Death Uncovered Edgar Allan Poe was a literary genius who had died a tragic death. His death has become a debatable topic for many. Theories range from rabies, alcoholism, to political kidnapping. However, the theory that Edgar Allan Poe died of rabies encephalitis is most prominent. First, the irrefutable symptoms Poe had suffered. Next, it is simple to discredit almost any other theory or argument through facts. Finally, the verification of Mr. Poe’s disease. It has become clear that Edgar’s distress was cause of rabies encephalitis. In Poe’s final days he had the same symptoms as a rabies victim would. First, know that encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain according the Kenneth Silverman (186). Also know that …show more content…
For example, Kenneth Silverman, a supporter of the alcoholism theory, wrote that Moran, a senior physician diagnosed Poe with a brain inflammation known as encephalitis (186). While it’s now known that Poe did not drink, he did have a brain inflammation however, it was caused by rabies encephalitis, not alcoholism, in contrast to Dr. Snodgrass’ beliefs. In a letter from the NY Times on September 15, 1996, Dr. Benitez explains that Poe was falsely accused as he didn’t recall becoming sick, and even after four days in the hospital he still didn’t behave in his usual manner, hallucinating even (187). After four days Poe should be thinking more clearly, yet he was confused and would hallucinate. Also written in the NY Times is that Dr. Benitez describes how Poe was belligerent and would grow aggressive (187). The alcohol would make him weak and ill, put him to bed, as he was sensitive to it; he wouldn’t have random spurts of aggressive energy. He would be worn out, instead he was ready to attack; almost like a rabid animal. The most obvious and most plausible cause of Edgar Allan Poe’s death seems to be rabies encephalitis. First, Poe showed many of the same symptoms, such as hydrophobia. A “classic case of rabies,” as Dr. Benitez calls it. Every other argument was refuted for another. The evidence all points to rabies encephalitis for the last and final point. It was a silly debate as it has been stated multiple times, Poe doesn’t drink; nonetheless all the evidence adds up to clearly show that Poe’s tragic death was due to rabies
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