The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 5 Informative Summary

Overview:

This volume of Edgar Allan Poe’s works, compiled by David Widger and revised by Richard Tonsing, offers a glimpse into the creative genius of one of America’s most celebrated authors. The volume includes a diverse range of Poe’s writing, from his iconic poetry to insightful philosophical essays and captivating short stories.

The collection features some of Poe’s most well-known poems, including “The Raven,” “The Bells,” and “Annabel Lee,” each showcasing his mastery of rhythm, rhyme, and vivid imagery. Poe’s poems often explore themes of love, loss, death, and the macabre, often infused with a melancholic tone and a sense of the supernatural.

Key findings:

Poe’s fascination with the macabre: Throughout his work, Poe frequently explores themes of death, decay, and the supernatural. This is evident in his poems, like “The Raven” and “Annabel Lee,” as well as his short stories, like “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.”
Poe’s philosophical depth: Poe was not only a gifted writer but also a keen observer of human nature. His philosophical essays, like “The Poetic Principle” and “Philosophy of Furniture,” delve into the nature of beauty, truth, and the human soul, revealing his nuanced and often unconventional thinking.

Learning:

The Poetic Principle: Poe’s essay “The Poetic Principle” explores the nature of poetry, arguing that its primary purpose is to evoke beauty and elevate the soul. He emphasizes the importance of rhythm, rhyme, and imagery, and suggests that true poetry is not concerned with morality or truth but with creating a sense of awe and wonder.
The Philosophy of Furniture: In this essay, Poe criticizes the ostentatious and tasteless decorating practices prevalent in American homes. He argues that true beauty lies in simplicity, harmony, and a sense of repose, not in the mere display of wealth and extravagant items.
Poe’s Style: Poe’s poems often feature distinctive elements like internal rhyme, alliteration, and a focus on sound devices, which create a unique and memorable rhythm. His short stories are marked by their dark and atmospheric settings, suspenseful narratives, and exploration of the psychological depths of his characters.

Historical context:

Poe’s writings reflect the social and cultural landscape of 19th-century America. He wrote during a time of great social and political upheaval, marked by the rise of industrialization, the expansion of democracy, and the growing influence of Romanticism in the arts. These themes are evident in some of his stories and poems, where he explores issues like isolation, alienation, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

Facts:

Poe was an assistant editor of the Evening Mirror: Poe held this position while writing “The Raven,” his most famous poem.
Poe’s fascination with the cholera epidemic: The cholera epidemic of 1832, which ravaged New York City, is referenced in Poe’s short story, “The Man of the Crowd.”
Poe’s interest in the works of William Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s works are referenced in multiple pieces, including “To One in Paradise” and “The Haunted Palace.”
Poe’s knowledge of classical literature: Poe’s writings are filled with allusions to Greek mythology, Roman history, and classical literature, demonstrating his extensive education.
Poe’s experience with the military: Poe’s military background is evident in some of his works, such as “The Conqueror Worm” and “The Haunted Palace.”
Poe’s experience with loss: The death of Poe’s wife, Virginia Clemm, had a profound impact on his life and work. The poem “Annabel Lee” is believed to be an expression of his grief and love for her.
Poe’s interest in the occult and the supernatural: Poe’s fascination with the supernatural is often present in his works, which frequently feature mysterious characters, haunted settings, and explorations of the human subconscious.
Poe’s interest in Eastern cultures: The poem “Tamerlane” references Samarkand, a city in Central Asia, and incorporates elements of Persian and Eastern cultures.
Poe’s interest in science: Poe had a strong interest in science, particularly in the emerging fields of electricity and astronomy, which are referenced in his work.
Poe’s work as a literary critic: Poe was a highly respected and influential literary critic, and his writings on poetry and fiction were widely read and debated.
Poe’s struggle with poverty and addiction: Poe’s personal life was often marred by financial difficulties and addiction to alcohol and opium. This is reflected in some of his stories and poems.
Poe’s complex relationship with his mother-in-law, Maria Clemm: Poe’s mother-in-law, Maria Clemm, was a source of both support and conflict in his life.
Poe’s interest in wine: His essay, “Some Words with a Mummy,” includes a vivid scene where Poe, as a character, enjoys a variety of wines and discusses his appreciation for them.
Poe’s interest in classical languages: Poe’s education included classical languages like Greek and Latin, which are present in his work.
Poe’s interest in the works of Voltaire: Poe’s essay “Some Words with a Mummy” contains a reference to Voltaire’s observations on Persepolis.
Poe’s use of literary allusions: Poe frequently uses literary allusions in his work, referencing writers like Milton, Shakespeare, and others.

Statistics:

Poe was 40 years old when he died: His death on October 7, 1849, occurred at a young age.
Poe published his first volume of poetry at the age of 24: His first collection, “Tamerlane and Other Poems,” was published in 1827.
Poe wrote 2 volumes of poetry before the age of 30: His second collection, “Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and Other Poems,” was published in 1829.
Poe wrote and published “The Raven” in 1845: This poem was an instant success and is considered one of the most famous poems in American literature.
Poe’s short story “The Man of the Crowd” was published in 1840: The story takes place in London and reflects Poe’s interest in the city and its diverse population.
Poe published his works in several journals: Poe’s work appeared in various publications like the Southern Literary Messenger, Graham’s Magazine, and the Broadway Journal.
Poe’s writings have been translated into over 40 languages: His work has had a global impact and continues to be studied and enjoyed by readers worldwide.
Poe’s short story “Never Bet the Devil Your Head” is set in a bridge: The story is a macabre tale featuring a man who repeatedly makes bets with the Devil.
Poe’s drama “Politian” is set in Rome: The play focuses on themes of love, betrayal, and revenge.
Poe’s poem “Ulalume” is set in October: The poem features a haunting and dream-like journey through a mysterious landscape.
“The Raven” has over 200 known translations: It is one of the most translated poems in the world.
Poe wrote over 70 short stories: His short fiction remains popular and is often adapted into film and television.
Poe wrote several essays on various subjects, including literary criticism, philosophy, and aesthetics: His essays provide insights into his thinking on these topics.

Terms:

Poetic Principle: The core philosophy of poetry, as articulated by Edgar Allan Poe, emphasizing beauty, elevation of the soul, and the importance of form and sound.
Metaphysical Poetry: A style of poetry that explores complex philosophical and theological themes, often characterized by intricate metaphors and intellectual puzzles.
Romanticism: A literary and artistic movement that emphasized emotion, imagination, and individualism, and valued nature, intuition, and the supernatural.
Catalepsy: A condition characterized by a trance-like state, rigidity of the limbs, and loss of consciousness, similar to a coma.
Phonetic: Relating to sounds or the system of sounds in a language.
Hieroglyphics: A system of writing using pictures or symbols to represent words or ideas.
Asphaltum: A naturally occurring black, sticky substance, used in ancient Egypt for embalming and other purposes.
Galvanism: The use of electricity to stimulate muscles or nerves, named after the Italian scientist Luigi Galvani.
Kabbala: A system of mystical interpretation of Jewish scripture, often involving esoteric symbols and numerology.
Pæan: A song of praise or triumph, often sung in ancient Greece to celebrate victory or healing.

Examples:

“The Raven”: A classic example of Poe’s use of dark imagery, suspense, and sound devices, exploring themes of loss, grief, and the supernatural. The poem’s memorable rhythm and repeated refrain create a sense of haunting melancholy.
“The Bells”: A poem that uses a series of bells to evoke different moods and emotions, highlighting Poe’s skill with sound devices and wordplay.
“Annabel Lee”: A poignant ballad that explores the themes of love, loss, and death, capturing the deep sorrow of a man mourning his beloved.
“To Helen”: A sonnet that celebrates the beauty of a woman, comparing her to ancient Greek and Roman ideals.
“The Haunted Palace”: A poem that uses the imagery of a crumbling palace to symbolize the decline of a great civilization, exploring themes of decay and the ephemerality of power.
“The Conqueror Worm”: A poem that uses the imagery of a play to represent the cycle of life and death, with the “Conqueror Worm” representing the inevitability of mortality.
“Never Bet the Devil Your Head”: A cautionary tale about a man who repeatedly makes foolish bets with the Devil, leading to his downfall.
“The Man of the Crowd”: A story about an anonymous man who seeks solace in the anonymity of a large crowd, highlighting Poe’s fascination with the human condition and the city.
“Some Words with a Mummy”: A humorous and thought-provoking short story that plays with the idea of immortality and the nature of time.
“Politian”: A drama exploring themes of love, revenge, and the consequences of rash actions.

Conclusion:

Edgar Allan Poe’s work in this volume is a testament to his literary genius and enduring influence. His poems, stories, and essays are characterized by their dark and atmospheric settings, intense emotions, exploration of the human psyche, and a fascination with the macabre and supernatural. While Poe was known for his melancholy and introspective nature, his work also reveals a deep intellect and a keen interest in science, philosophy, and the human condition. The collection is a valuable resource for understanding the life and work of one of America’s most celebrated authors.

Learn more