The lives and the experiences of an author often are reflected in their work. Although Edgar Allan Poe and Jim Morrison lived nearly a century apart, their lives were similar; filled with tragedy, addictions, and perhaps most importantly writing. Both Poe and Morrison's poetry reflected imageries of death, which both writers experienced so much of in their respective lifetimes. Their morbid fascination with death steams from their early childhood experiences. This paper will explore this fascination of death, using the works by Jim Morrison including Blessings, Cassandra at the Well, and Horse Latitudes; and the works of Edgar Allan Poe including Lenore, Spirits of the Dead, and Alone. The images of death in these works illustrates each writers trial and tribulations throughout their brief, yet prolific existences.
             Edgar Allen Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 19, 1809. His father deserted his family and his mother, an actress, died of tuberculosis when Poe was only three years old. He was then sent to live with his aunt and uncle, John and
             Frances Allen in Virginia. In 1826, Edgar attended the University of Virginia, where he
             was an exceptional student, but unfortunately he was forced to drop out due to large gambling debts. He was then forced to join the army in 1827. Prior to his discharge in 1829, he attained the rank of Sargent major. In 1830 Poe moved to Baltimore, Maryland to live with his aunt, Maria Clemm and her daughter Virginia, and enlisted in the United States Military Academy, in order to gain his uncle's respect. When Edgar's Aunt Frances Allen died, Poe's uncle remarried. Out of anger, Poe decided he would not reconcile with his uncle. He deliberately broke military regulations in order to be dismissed from West Point.
             Soon after Poe began his literary career. He first began by writing poetry. He was able to publish two volumes of poetry. Due to the...