Poe's Life in Boston

"LAST NIGHT'S INSULT"
The Repertory, Boston
April 7, 1807

Edgar's father, actor David Poe, was forceful and direct in responding to Boston critics. On at least one occasion according to this newspaper report, he confronted the disapproval of an audience in an "obnoxious and insulting way." Another Boston critic described how the actor once turned up at his front door "to chastise my impertinence" in a review. In light of future confrontations with Boston critics, it would seem fair to say that David's Boston boy, Edgar, would become a chip off the old block with regard to this propensity at least (a shared theatrical air and high susceptibility to the volatile effects of alcohol would undoubtedly be others).

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