Poe

Edgar Allen Poe led a very sad and interesting life all the way to the end. He made little money for a living, and has experienced many sorrows.
When he was two years old, his mother had died, and she had already separated with his SECOND father. He was then adopted, getting separated by his brother and sisters. His adopted family was very rich, so he was able to get a very good education. However, his dad gave him little money, and soon he was in debt, causing him to drop out of school. Having his THIRD father shun him, he was forced to join the army for money at only 18.
His writing style has a very mysterious and spooky atmosphere to it, possibly inspired by his life. He wrote about things that weren't really popular at the time, and his stories had no actual explanation to things. No one would know what actually happened and why, as there was no possible explanation. Nowadays, it is, of course, very popular, since back then it was just "out of the norm." His writings weren't able to make much money for him, and it was hard to find any publishers that would accept his work.
One interesting fact is that in his final days, he died mysteriously. He had taken the wrong train to Baltimore, and was found at Gunner's Hall, unable to explain what happened to him. After his mysterious death, it gave birth to many myths and legends of what may have actually happened to him.

What is an American?

        I think an American is someone who is just and righteous in their morals. After all, our constitution is suppose to be more fair and just. By being just, you will know your differences from the rights and wrongs, and act upon your virtues and no selfishness. An American is someone who actually wants a better future and not a better future for themselves but everyone. They have everyone in mind. An American is anyone who is a "citizen" of America, and they can be of any race. There's no need for 1/4 Hispanic, 12% White, etc. As long as you're a citizen of America, you can call yourself an AMERICAN, and not go listing all the other different ethnic groups you are part of.
         There is no absolute take-over of the government. You can be a part of it by voting. By the age of 18, we can all vote for who we think will make a great decision for our future. We don't just have to sit on the sidelines and bite out nails nervously, wondering what the government does, because we have a say in it. I'm not saying Americans are perfect or that they're the best because we aren't. We have poverty, crimes, and other bad things. However, we do have the American Dream. It's not one universal dream, but a dream/goal that each individual has. For example, my parents moved to America for their dream of being able to start a better and easier life. So I believe that as an American, you will also have hope/dreams whether it be big or small.