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What was the name of Edgar's fiance who got engaged to someone else?

Published in Poe Biography 1 min read

Edgar Allan Poe's fiancée who became engaged to someone else was Elmira.

Elmira's Engagement Story

While Edgar was attending the University of Virginia (UVA), his relationship with Elmira faced an unexpected challenge. Elmira's father played a significant role in severing their connection and influencing her decision to marry another man.

The circumstances surrounding Elmira's engagement to someone else involved:

  • Interception of Letters: Elmira's father deliberately intercepted the correspondence between Edgar and Elmira.
  • Paternal Influence: He actively steered Elmira toward a different suitor, presenting this man as someone who could offer stability and success. This alternative fiancé was portrayed as a promising businessman and a respectable citizen, attributes that Edgar, at the time, was reportedly unable to guarantee.

This intervention by her father ultimately led to Elmira becoming engaged to someone else, despite her prior engagement to Edgar.

To summarize the key details:

Fiance's Name Reason for New Engagement (from Edgar's perspective)
Elmira Her father intercepted Edgar's letters and steered her toward another man who promised success and respectability.

This turn of events was a significant personal setback for Edgar Allan Poe during his time at university.