We all experience things in our lifetimes that influence the way we act, feel, or think. For an author, life experiences have a great impact on their work. The writer's feelings and opinions are apparent in their pieces. Edgar Allan Poe was considered to be one of the great authors of his time. His pieces have been studied and critiqued. Over the years his works have gained respect from the writers community. Poe’s life, with all of its heartache, influenced his writing style a great deal. One particular essay called The Oval Portrait is a good example of the life and writing relationship. Poe’s problems began at an early age. By the age of six Poe had become an