In his quote, Edgar Allan Poe expresses his frustration about working hard for others while receiving little in return. He highlights his struggle to conform to the opinions and demands of people he perceives as foolish. This sentiment reflects a deeper commentary on the sacrifices made by creative individuals in a society that may not appreciate their true value.

This quote is derived from Daniel Stashower's book, "The Beautiful Cigar Girl: Mary Rogers, Edgar Allan Poe, and the Invention of Murder," which explores Poe's life and his interactions with society. Through this work, Stashower delves into the complexities of Poe's character and the challenges he faced in pursuit of his art, illustrating how external pressures affected his creativity and wellbeing.