Alone, Edgar Allan Poe: Summary, Analysis & Themes
"Alone" is a deeply introspective 22-line poem, written in 1829 but unpublished during Edgar Allan Poe’s lifetime. The original manuscript, signed by Poe and dated March 17, 1829, was discovered and published posthumously in 1875 by E. L. Didier in Scribner’s Monthly . The poem is often viewed as autobiographical, reflecting Poe’s feelings of isolation and inner turmoil, especially following the death of his foster mother, Frances Allan, in February of the same year. Written when Poe was only 20, "Alone" captures the emotional distance and loneliness that marked his early years.
"Alone" Poem Text by Edgar Allan Poe From childhood’s hour I have not been
As others were; I have not seen
As others saw; I could not bring
My passions from a common spring.
From the same source I have not taken
My sorrow; I could not awaken
My heart to joy at the same tone;
And all I loved, I loved alone.
Then—in my childhood, in the dawn
Of a most stormy life—was drawn
From every …