Essential Tales And Poems Of Edgar Allan Poe Part 26

FIG. 4.

After satisfying ourselves that these singular caverns afforded us no means of escape from our prison, we made our way back, dejected and dispirited, to the summit of the hill. Nothing worth mentioning occurred during the next twenty-four hours, except that, in examining the ground to the eastward of the third chasm, we found two triangular holes of great depth, and also with black granite sides. Into these holes we did not think it worth while to attempt descending, as they had the appearance of mere natural wells, without outlet. They were each about twenty yards in circ.u.mference, and their shape, as well as relative position in regard to the third chasm, is shown in figure 5 figure 5, page 593.

Chapter XXIV.

ON THE TWENTIETH OF the month, finding it altogether impossible to subsist any longer upon the filberts, the use of which occasioned us the most excruciating torment, we resolved to make a desperate attempt at descending the southern declivity of the hill. The face of the precipice was here of the softest species of soapstone, although nearly perpendicular throughout its whole extent (a depth of a hundred and fifty feet at the least), and in many places even overarching. After a long search we discovered a narrow ledge about twenty feet below the brink of the gulf; upon this Peters contrived to leap, with what a.s.sistance I could render him by means of our pocket-handkerchiefs tied together. With somewhat more difficulty I also got down; and we then saw the possibility of descending the whole way by the process in which we had clambered up from the chasm when we had been buried by the fall of the hill-that is, by cutting steps in the face of the soapstone with our knives. The extreme hazard of the attempt can scarcely be conceived; but, as there was no other resource, we determined to undertake it.

Upon the ledge where we stood there grew some filbert-bushes; and to one of these we made fast an end of our rope of handkerchiefs. The other end being tied round Peters' waist, I lowered him down over the edge of the precipice until the handkerchiefs were stretched tight. He now proceeded to dig a deep hole in the soapstone (as far in as eight or ten inches), sloping away the rock above to the height of a foot, or thereabout, so as to allow of his driving, with the b.u.t.t of a pistol, a tolerably strong peg into the levelled surface. I then drew him up for about four feet, when he made a hole similar to the one below, driving in a peg as before, and having thus a resting-place for both feet and hands. I now unfastened the handkerchiefs from the bush, throwing him the end, which he tied to the peg in the uppermost hole, letting himself down gently to a station about three feet lower than he had yet been-that is, to the full extent of the handkerchiefs. Here he dug another hole, and drove another peg. He then drew himself up, so as to rest his feet in the hole just cut, taking hold with his hands upon the peg in the one above. It was now necessary to untie the handkerchiefs from the topmost peg, with the view of fastening them to the second; and here he found that an error had been committed in cutting the holes at so great a distance apart. However, after one or two unsuccessful and dangerous attempts at reaching the knot (having to hold on with his left hand while he labored to undo the fastening with his right), he at length cut the string, leaving six inches of it affixed to the peg. Tying the handkerchiefs now to the second peg, he descended to a station below the third, taking care not to go too far down. By these means (means which I should never have conceived of myself, and for which we were indebted altogether to Peters' ingenuity and resolution) my companion finally succeeded, with the occasional aid of projections in the cliff, in reaching the bottom without accident.

It was some time before I could summon sufficient resolution to follow him: but I did at length attempt it. Peters had taken off his s.h.i.+rt before descending, and this, with my own, formed the rope necessary for the adventure. After throwing down the musket found in the chasm, I fastened this rope to the bushes, and let myself down rapidly, striving, by the vigor of my movements, to banish the trepidation which I could overcome in no other manner. This answered sufficiently well for the first four or five steps; but presently I found my imagination growing terribly excited by thoughts of the vast depths yet to be descended, and the precarious nature of the pegs and soapstone holes which were my only support. It was in vain I endeavored to banish these reflections, and to keep my eyes steadily bent upon the flat surface of the cliff before me. The more earnestly I struggled not to think, the more intensely vivid became my conceptions, and the more horribly distinct. At length arrived that crisis of fancy, so fearful in all similar cases the crisis in which we begin to antic.i.p.ate the feelings with which we shall fall-to picture to ourselves the sickness, and dizziness, and the last struggle, and the half swoon, and the final bitterness of the rus.h.i.+ng and headlong descent. And now I found these fancies creating their own realities, and all imagined horrors crowding upon me in fact. I felt my knees strike violently together, while my fingers were gradually but certainly relaxing their grasp. There was a ringing in my ears, and I said, "This is my knell of death!" And now I was consumed with the irrepressible desire of looking below. I could not, I would not, confine my glances to the cliff; and, with a wild, indefinable emotion, half of horror, half of a relieved oppression, I threw my vision far down into the abyss. For one moment my fingers clutched convulsively upon their hold, while, with the movement, the faintest possible idea of ultimate escape wandered, like a shadow, through my mind-in the next my whole soul was prevaded with a longing to fall; a desire, a yearning, a pa.s.sion utterly uncontrollable. I let go at once my grasp upon the peg, and, turning half round from the precipice, remained tottering for an instant against its naked face. But now there came a spinning of the brain; a shrill-sounding and phantom voice screamed within my ears; a dusky, fiendish, and filmy figure stood immediately beneath me; and, sighing, I sunk down with a bursting heart, and plunged within its arms.

I had swooned, and Peters had caught me as I fell. He had observed my proceedings from his station at the bottom of the cliff; and perceiving my imminent danger, had endeavored to inspire me with courage by every suggestion he could devise; although my confusion of mind had been so great as to prevent my hearing what he said, or being conscious that he had even spoken to me at all. At length, seeing me totter, he hastened to ascend to my rescue, and arrived just in time for my preservation.42 Had I fallen with my full weight, the rope of linen would inevitably have snapped, and I should have been precipitated into the abyss; as it was, he contrived to let me down gently, so as to remain suspended without danger until animation returned. This was in about fifteen minutes. On recovery, my trepidation had entirely vanished; I felt a new being, and, with some little further aid from my companion, reached the bottom also in safety. Had I fallen with my full weight, the rope of linen would inevitably have snapped, and I should have been precipitated into the abyss; as it was, he contrived to let me down gently, so as to remain suspended without danger until animation returned. This was in about fifteen minutes. On recovery, my trepidation had entirely vanished; I felt a new being, and, with some little further aid from my companion, reached the bottom also in safety.

We now found ourselves not far from the ravine which had proved the tomb of our friends, and to the southward of the spot where the hill had fallen. The place was one of singular wildness, and its aspect brought to my mind the descriptions given by travellers of those dreary regions marking the site of degraded Babylon.ty Not to speak of the ruins of the disruptured cliff, which formed a chaotic barrier in the vista to the northward, the surface of the ground in every other direction was strewn with huge tumuli, Not to speak of the ruins of the disruptured cliff, which formed a chaotic barrier in the vista to the northward, the surface of the ground in every other direction was strewn with huge tumuli,tz apparently the wreck of some gigantic structures of art; although, in detail, no semblance of art could be detected. Scoria apparently the wreck of some gigantic structures of art; although, in detail, no semblance of art could be detected. Scoriaua were abundant, and large shapeless blocks of the black granite, intermingled with others of marl, were abundant, and large shapeless blocks of the black granite, intermingled with others of marl,ub and both granulated with metal. Of vegetation there were no traces whatsoever throughout the whole of the desolate area within sight. Several immense scorpions were seen, and various reptiles not elsewhere to be found in the high lat.i.tudes. and both granulated with metal. Of vegetation there were no traces whatsoever throughout the whole of the desolate area within sight. Several immense scorpions were seen, and various reptiles not elsewhere to be found in the high lat.i.tudes.43 As food was our most immediate object, we resolved to make our way to the sea-coast, distant not more than half a mile, with a view of catching turtle, several of which we had observed from our place of concealment on the hill. We had proceeded some hundred yards, threading our route cautiously between the huge rocks and tumuli, when, upon turning a corner, five savages sprung upon us from a small cavern, felling Peters to the ground with a blow from a club. As he fell the whole party rushed upon him to secure their victim, leaving me time to recover from my astonishment. I still had the musket, but the barrel had received so much injury in being thrown from the precipice that I cast it aside as useless, preferring to trust my pistols, which had been carefully preserved in order. With these I advanced upon the a.s.sailants, firing one after the other in quick succession. Two savages fell, and one, who was in the act of thrusting a spear into Peters, sprang to his feet without accomplis.h.i.+ng his purpose. My companion being thus released, we had no further difficulty. He had his pistols also, but prudently declined using them, confiding in his great personal strength, which far exceeded that of any person I have ever known. Seizing a club from one of the savages who had fallen, he dashed out the brains of the three who remained, killing each instantaneously with a single blow of the weapon, and leaving us completely masters of the field.

So rapidly had these events pa.s.sed, that we could scarcely believe in their reality, and were standing over the bodies of the dead in a species of stupid contemplation, when we were brought to recollection by the sound of shouts in the distance. It was clear that the savages had been alarmed by the firing, and that we had little chance of avoiding discovery. To regain the cliff, it would be necessary to proceed in the direction of the shouts; and even should we succeed in arriving at its base, we should never be able to ascend it without being seen. Our situation was one of the greatest peril, and we were hesitating in which path to commence a flight, when one of the savages whom I had shot, and supposed dead, sprang briskly to his feet, and attempted to make his escape. We overtook him, however, before he had advanced many paces, and were about to put him to death, when Peters suggested that we might derive some benefit from forcing him to accompany us in our attempt to escape. We therefore dragged him with us, making him understand that we would shoot him if he offered resistance. In a few minutes he was perfectly submissive, and ran by our sides as we pushed in among the rocks, making for the seash.o.r.e.

So far, the irregularities of the ground we had been traversing hid the sea, except at intervals, from our sight, and, when we first had it fairly in view, it was, perhaps, two hundred yards distant. As we emerged into the open beach we saw, to our great dismay, an immense crowd of the natives pouring from the village, and from all visible quarters of the island, making toward us with gesticulations of extreme fury, and howling like wild beasts. We were upon the point of turning upon our steps, and trying to secure a retreat among the fastnesses of the rougher ground, when I discovered the bows of two canoes projecting from behind a large rock which ran out into the water. Toward these we now ran with all speed, and, reaching them, found them unguarded, and without any other freight than three of the large Gallipago turtles and the usual supply of paddles for sixty rowers. We instantly took possession of one of them, and, forcing our captive on board, pushed out to sea with all the strength we could command.

We had not made, however, more than fifty yards from the sh.o.r.e before we became sufficiently calm to perceive the great oversight of which we had been guilty in leaving the other canoe in the power of the savages, who, by this time, were not more than twice as far from the beach as ourselves, and were rapidly advancing to the pursuit. No time was now to be lost. Our hope was, at best, a forlorn one, but we had none other. It was very doubtful whether, with the utmost exertion, we could get back in time to antic.i.p.ate them in taking possession of the canoe; but yet there was a chance that we could. We might save ourselves if we succeeded, while not to make the attempt was to resign ourselves to inevitable butchery.

The canoe was modelled with the bow and stern alike, and, in place of turning it around, we merely changed our position in paddling. As soon as the savages perceived this they redoubled their yells, as well as their speed, and approached with inconceivable rapidity. We pulled, however, with all the energy of desperation, and arrived at the contested point before more than one of the natives had attained it. This man paid dearly for his superior agility, Peters shooting him through the head with a pistol as he approached the sh.o.r.e. The foremost among the rest of his party were probably some twenty or thirty paces distant as we seized upon the canoe. We at first endeavored to pull her into the deep water, beyond the reach of the savages, but, finding her too firmly aground, and there being no time to spare, Peters, with one or two heavy strokes from the b.u.t.t of the musket, succeeded in das.h.i.+ng out a large portion of the bow and of one side. We then pushed off. Two of the natives by this time had got hold of our boat, obstinately refusing to let go, until we were forced to dispatch them with our knives. We were now clear off, and making great way out to sea. The main body of the savages, upon reaching the broken canoe, set up the most tremendous yell of rage and disappointment conceivable. In truth, from every thing I could see of these wretches, they appeared to be the most wicked, hypocritical, vindictive, bloodthirsty, and altogether fiendish race of men upon the face of the globe. It is clear we should have had no mercy had we fallen into their hands. They made a mad attempt at following us in the fractured canoe, but, finding it useless, again vented their rage in a series of hideous vociferations, and rushed up into the hills.

We were thus relieved from immediate danger, but our situation was still sufficiently gloomy. We knew that four canoes of the kind we had were at one time in the possession of the savages, and were not aware of the fact (afterward ascertained from our captive) that two of these had been blown to pieces in the explosion of the Jane Guy. We calculated, therefore, upon being yet pursued, as soon as our enemies could get round to the bay (distant about three miles) where the boats were usually laid up. Fearing this, we made every exertion to leave the island behind us, and went rapidly through the water, forcing the prisoner to take a paddle. In about half an hour, when we had gained, probably, five or six miles to the southward, a large fleet of the flat-bottomed canoes or rafts were seen to emerge from the bay evidently with the design of pursuit. Presently they put back, despairing to overtake us.

Chapter XXV.

WE NOW FOUND OURSELVES in the wide and desolate Antarctic Ocean, in a lat.i.tude exceeding eighty-four degrees, in a frail canoe, and with no provision but the three turtles. The long polar winter, too, could not be considered as far distant, and it became necessary that we should deliberate well upon the course to be pursued. There were six or seven islands in sight belonging to the same group, and distant from each other about five or six leagues; but upon neither of these had we any intention to venture. In coming from the northward in the Jane Guy we had been gradually leaving behind us the severest regions of ice,-this, however little it may be in accordance with the generally received notions respecting the Antarctic, was a fact experience would not permit us to deny. To attempt, therefore, getting back would be folly-especially at so late a period of the season. Only one course seemed to be left open for hope. We resolved to steer boldly to the southward, where there was at least a probability of discovering other lands, and more than a probability of finding a still milder climate.

So far we had found the Antarctic, like the Arctic Ocean, peculiarly free from violent storms or immoderately rough water; but our canoe was, at best, of frail structure, although large, and we set busily to work with a view of rendering her as safe as the limited means in our possession would admit. The body of the boat was of no better material than bark-the bark of a tree unknown. The ribs were of a tough osier, well adapted to the purpose for which it was used.44 We had fifty feet room from stem to stern, from four to six in breadth, and in depth throughout four feet and a half-the boats thus differing vastly in shape from those of any other inhabitants of the Southern Ocean with whom civilized nations are acquainted. We never did believe them the workmans.h.i.+p of the ignorant islanders who owned them; and some days after this period discovered, by questioning our captive, that they were in fact made by the natives of a group to the southwest of the country where we found them, having fallen accidentally into the hands of our barbarians. What we could do for the security of our boat was very little indeed. Several wide rents were discovered near both ends, and these we contrived to patch up with pieces of woollen jacket. With the help of the superfluous paddles, of which there were a great many, we erected a kind of framework about the bow, so as to break the force of any seas which might threaten to fill us in that quarter. We also set up two paddle-blades for masts, placing them opposite each other, one by each gunwale, thus saving the necessity of a yard. To these masts we attached a sail made of our s.h.i.+rts-doing this with some difficulty, as here we could get no a.s.sistance from our prisoner whatever, although he had been willing enough to labor in all the other operations. The sight of the linen seemed to affect him in a very singular manner. He could not be prevailed upon to touch it or go near it, shuddering when we attempted to force him, and shrieking out, We had fifty feet room from stem to stern, from four to six in breadth, and in depth throughout four feet and a half-the boats thus differing vastly in shape from those of any other inhabitants of the Southern Ocean with whom civilized nations are acquainted. We never did believe them the workmans.h.i.+p of the ignorant islanders who owned them; and some days after this period discovered, by questioning our captive, that they were in fact made by the natives of a group to the southwest of the country where we found them, having fallen accidentally into the hands of our barbarians. What we could do for the security of our boat was very little indeed. Several wide rents were discovered near both ends, and these we contrived to patch up with pieces of woollen jacket. With the help of the superfluous paddles, of which there were a great many, we erected a kind of framework about the bow, so as to break the force of any seas which might threaten to fill us in that quarter. We also set up two paddle-blades for masts, placing them opposite each other, one by each gunwale, thus saving the necessity of a yard. To these masts we attached a sail made of our s.h.i.+rts-doing this with some difficulty, as here we could get no a.s.sistance from our prisoner whatever, although he had been willing enough to labor in all the other operations. The sight of the linen seemed to affect him in a very singular manner. He could not be prevailed upon to touch it or go near it, shuddering when we attempted to force him, and shrieking out, "Tekeli-li!" "Tekeli-li!"

Having completed our arrangements in regard to the security of the canoe, we now set sail to the south-south-east for the present, with the view of weathering the most southerly of the group in sight. This being done, we turned the bow full to the southward. The weather could by no means be considered disagreeable. We had a prevailing and very gentle wind from the northward, a smooth sea, and continual daylight. No ice whatever was to be seen; nor did I ever see one particle of this after leaving the parallel of Bennet's nor did I ever see one particle of this after leaving the parallel of Bennet's Islet. Indeed, the temperature of the water was here far too warm for its existence in any quant.i.ty. Having killed the largest of our tortoises, and obtained from him not only food but a copious supply of water, we continued on our course, without any incident of moment, for perhaps seven or eight days, during which period we must have proceeded a vast distance to the southward, as the wind blew constantly with us, and a very strong current set continually in the direction we were pursuing. Islet. Indeed, the temperature of the water was here far too warm for its existence in any quant.i.ty. Having killed the largest of our tortoises, and obtained from him not only food but a copious supply of water, we continued on our course, without any incident of moment, for perhaps seven or eight days, during which period we must have proceeded a vast distance to the southward, as the wind blew constantly with us, and a very strong current set continually in the direction we were pursuing.

March 1stuc-Many unusual phenomena now indicated that we were entering upon a region of novelty and wonder. A high range of light gray vapor appeared constantly in the southern horizon, flaring up occasionally in lofty streaks, now darting from east to west, now from west to east, and again presenting a level and uniform summit-in short, having all the wild variations of the Aurora Borealis.45 The average height of this vapor, as apparent from our station, was about twentyfive degrees. The temperature of the sea seemed to be increasing momentarily, and there was a very perceptible alteration in its color. The average height of this vapor, as apparent from our station, was about twentyfive degrees. The temperature of the sea seemed to be increasing momentarily, and there was a very perceptible alteration in its color.

March 2d.-To-day by repeated questioning of our captive, we came to the knowledge of many particulars in regard to the island of the ma.s.sacre, its inhabitants, and customs-but with these how can I now now detain the reader? I may say, however, that we learned there were eight islands in the group-that they were governed by a common king, named detain the reader? I may say, however, that we learned there were eight islands in the group-that they were governed by a common king, named Tsalemon or Psalemoun, Tsalemon or Psalemoun, who resided in one of the smallest of the islands; who resided in one of the smallest of the islands;46 that the black skins forming the dress of the warriors came from an animal of huge size to be found only in a valley near the court of the king-that the inhabitants of the group fabricated no other boats than the flat-bottomed rafts; the four canoes being all of the kind in their possession, and these having been obtained, by mere accident, from some large island in the southwest-that his own name was Nu-Nu-that he had no knowledge of Bennet's Islet-and that the appellation of the island he had left was that the black skins forming the dress of the warriors came from an animal of huge size to be found only in a valley near the court of the king-that the inhabitants of the group fabricated no other boats than the flat-bottomed rafts; the four canoes being all of the kind in their possession, and these having been obtained, by mere accident, from some large island in the southwest-that his own name was Nu-Nu-that he had no knowledge of Bennet's Islet-and that the appellation of the island he had left was Tsalal. Tsalal. The commencement of the words The commencement of the words Tsalemon Tsalemon and and Tsalal Tsalal was given with a prolonged hissing sound, which we found it impossible to imitate, even after repeated endeavors, and which was precisely the same with the note of the black bittern we had eaten up on the summit of the hill. was given with a prolonged hissing sound, which we found it impossible to imitate, even after repeated endeavors, and which was precisely the same with the note of the black bittern we had eaten up on the summit of the hill.47 March 3d.-The heat of the water was now truly remarkable, and in color was undergoing a rapid change, being no longer transparent, but of a milky consistency and hue. In our immediate vicinity it was usually smooth, never so rough as to endanger the canoe-but we were frequently surprised at perceiving, to our right and left, at different distances, sudden and extensive agitations of the surface-these, we at length noticed, were always preceded by wild flickerings in the region of the vapor to the southward.

March 4th.-To-day, with the view of widening our sail, the breeze from the northward dying away perceptibly, I took from my coat-pocket a white handkerchief. Nu-Nu was seated at my elbow, and the linen accidentally flaring in his face, he became violently affected with convulsions. These were succeeded by drowsiness and stupor, and low murmurings of "Tekeli-li! Tekeli-li!" "Tekeli-li! Tekeli-li!"

March 5th.-The wind had entirely ceased, but it was evident that we were still hurrying on to the southward, under the influence of a powerful current. And now, indeed, it would seem reasonable that we should experience some alarm at the turn events were taking-but we felt none. The countenance of Peters indicated nothing of this nature, although it wore at times an expression I could not fathom. The polar winter appeared to be coming on-but coming without its terrors. I felt a numbness numbness of body and mind-a dreaminess of sensation-but this was all. of body and mind-a dreaminess of sensation-but this was all.48 March 6th.-The gray vapor had now arisen many more degrees above the horizon, and was gradually losing its grayness of tint. The heat of the water was extreme, even unpleasant to the touch, and its milky hue was more evident than ever. To-day a violent agitation of the water occurred very close to the canoe. It was attended, as usual, with a wild flaring up of the vapor at its summit, and a momentary division at its base. A fine white powder, resembling ashes-but certainly not such-fell over the canoe and over a large surface of the water, as the flickering died away among the vapor and the commotion subsided in the sea. Nu-Nu now threw himself on his face in the bottom of the boat, and no persuasions could induce him to arise.

March 7th.-This day we questioned Nu-Nu concerning the motives of his countrymen in destroying our companions; but he appeared to be too utterly overcome by terror to afford us any rational reply. He still obstinately lay in the bottom of the boat; and, upon our reiterating the questions as to the motive, made use only of idiotic gesticulations, such as raising with his forefinger the upper lip, and displaying the teeth which lay beneath it. These were black. We had never before seen the teeth of an inhabitant of Tsalal.

March 8th.-To-day there floated by us one of the white animals whose appearance upon the beach at Tsalal had occasioned so wild a commotion among the savages. I would have picked it up, but there came over me a sudden listlessness, and I forbore. The heat of the water still increased, and the hand could no longer be endured within it. Peters spoke little, and I knew not what to think of his apathy. Nu-Nu breathed, and no more.

March 9th.-The whole ashy material fell now continually around us, and in vast quant.i.ties. The range of vapor to the southward had arisen prodigiously in the horizon, and began to a.s.sume more distinctness of form. I can liken it to nothing but a limitless cataract, rolling silently into the sea from some immense and far-distant rampart in the heaven. The gigantic curtain ranged along the whole extent of the southern horizon. It emitted no sound.

March 21st. 21st.-A sullen darkness now hovered above us-but from out the milky depths of the ocean a luminous glare arose, and stole up along the bulwarks of the boat. We were nearly overwhelmed by the white ashy shower which settled upon us and upon the canoe, but melted into the water as it fell. The summit of the cataract was utterly lost in the dimness and the distance. Yet we were evidently approaching it with a hideous velocity. At intervals there were visible in it wide, yawning, but momentary rents, and from out these rents, within which was a chaos of flitting and indistinct images, there came rus.h.i.+ng and mighty, but soundless winds, tearing up the enkindled ocean in their course.

March 22d.-The darkness had materially increased, relieved only by the glare of the water thrown back from the white curtain before us. Many gigantic and pallidly white birds flew continuously now from beyond the veil, and their scream was the eternal Tekeli-li! Tekeli-li! as they retreated from our vision. Hereupon Nu-Nu stirred in the bottom of the boat; but upon touching him, we found his spirit departed. And now we rushed into the embraces of the cataract, where a chasm threw itself open to receive us. But there arose in our pathway a shrouded human figure, very far larger in its proportions than any dweller among men. And the hue of the skin of the figure was of the perfect whiteness of the snow. as they retreated from our vision. Hereupon Nu-Nu stirred in the bottom of the boat; but upon touching him, we found his spirit departed. And now we rushed into the embraces of the cataract, where a chasm threw itself open to receive us. But there arose in our pathway a shrouded human figure, very far larger in its proportions than any dweller among men. And the hue of the skin of the figure was of the perfect whiteness of the snow.49 NOTEThe circ.u.mstances connected with the late sudden and distressing death of Mr. Pym are already well known to the public through the medium of the daily press. It is feared that the few remaining chapters which were to have completed his narrative, and which were retained by him, while the above were in type, for the purpose of revision, have been ir recoverably lost through the accident by which he perished himself. This, however, may prove not to be the case, and the papers, if ultimately found, will be given to the public.50No means have been left untried to remedy the deficiency. The gentleman whose name is mentioned in the preface, and who, from the statement there made, might be supposed able to fill the vacuum, has declined the task-this, for satisfactory reasons connected with the general inaccuracy of the details afforded him, and his disbelief in the entire truth of the latter portions of the narration. Peters, from whom some information might be expected, is still alive, and a resident of Illinois, but cannot be met with at present. He may hereafter be found, and will, no doubt, afford material for a conclusion of Mr. Pym's account.The loss of two or three final chapters (for there were but two or three) is the more deeply to be regretted, as, it cannot be doubted, they contained matter relative to the Pole itself, or at least to regions in its very near proximity; and as, too, the statements of the author in relation to these regions may shortly be verified or contradicted by means of the governmental expedition now preparing for the Southern Ocean.On one point in the narrative some remarks may well be offered; and it would afford the writer of this appendix much pleasure if what he may here observe should have a tendency to throw credit, in any degree, upon the very singular pages now published. We allude to the chasms found in the island of Tsalal, and to the whole of the figures upon pages 592 and 593.Mr. Pym has given the figures of the chasms without comment, and speaks decidedly of the indentures indentures found at the extremity of the most easterly of these chasms as having but a fanciful resemblance to alphabetical characters, and, in short, as being positively found at the extremity of the most easterly of these chasms as having but a fanciful resemblance to alphabetical characters, and, in short, as being positively not such. not such. This a.s.sertion is made in a manner so simple, and sustained by a species of demonstration so conclusive (viz., the fitting of the projections of the fragments found among the dust into the indentures upon the wall), that we are forced to believe the writer in earnest; and no reasonable reader should suppose otherwise. But as the facts in relation to This a.s.sertion is made in a manner so simple, and sustained by a species of demonstration so conclusive (viz., the fitting of the projections of the fragments found among the dust into the indentures upon the wall), that we are forced to believe the writer in earnest; and no reasonable reader should suppose otherwise. But as the facts in relation to all all the figures are most singular (especially when taken in connection with statements made in the body of the narrative), it may be as well to say a word or two concerning them all-this, too, the more especially as the facts in question have, beyond doubt, escaped the attention of Mr. Poe. the figures are most singular (especially when taken in connection with statements made in the body of the narrative), it may be as well to say a word or two concerning them all-this, too, the more especially as the facts in question have, beyond doubt, escaped the attention of Mr. Poe.Figure 1, then, figure 2 figure 2, figure 3 figure 3, and figure 5 figure 5, when conjoined with one another in the precise order which the chasms themselves presented, and when deprived of the small lateral branches or arches (which, it will be remembered, served only as a means of communication between the main chambers, and were of totally distinct character), const.i.tute an Ethiopian verbal root-the root"To be shady,"-whence all the inflections of shadow or darkness.In regard to the "left or most northwardly" of the indentures in figure 4 figure 4, it is more than probable that the opinion of Peters was correct and that the hieroglyphical appearance was really the work of art, and intended as the representation of a human form. The delineation is before the reader, and he may, or may not, perceive the resemblance suggested; but the rest of the indentures afford strong confirmation of Peters' idea. The upper range is evidently the Arabic verbal root"To be white," whence all the inflections of brilliancy and whiteness. The lower range is not so immediately perspicuous. The characters are somewhat broken and disjointed; nevertheless, it cannot be doubted that, in their perfect state, they formed the full Egyptian word"The region of the south." It should be observed that these interpretations confirm the opinion of Peters in regard to the "most northwardly" of the figures. The arm is outstretched toward the south.Conclusions such as these open a wide field for speculation and exciting conjecture. They should be regarded, perhaps, in connection with some of the most faintly detailed incidents of the narrative; although in no visible manner is this chain of connection complete. Tekeli-li! was the cry of the affrighted natives of Tsalal upon discovering the carca.s.s of the white animal picked up at sea. This also was the shuddering exclamation of the captive Tsalalian upon encountering the white materials in possession of Mr. Pym. This also was the shriek of the swift-flying, white, and gigantic birds which issued from the vapory white curtain of the South. Nothing white was to be found at Tsalal, and nothing otherwise in the subsequent voyage to the region beyond. It is not impossible that "Tsalal," the appellation of the island of the chasms, may be found, upon minute philological scrutiny, to betray either some alliance with the chasms themselves, or some reference to the Ethiopian characters so mysteriously written in their windings."I have graven it within the hills, and my vengeance upon the dust within the rock."

Endnotes Poems 1 (p. 8) (p. 8) Hast thou not dragged Diana from her car? l... The summer dream beneath the tamarind tree?: Hast thou not dragged Diana from her car? l... The summer dream beneath the tamarind tree?: In cla.s.sical mythology, In cla.s.sical mythology, Diana, Diana, called Artemis by the Romans, is the G.o.ddess of the forest, childbirth, and the moon; called Artemis by the Romans, is the G.o.ddess of the forest, childbirth, and the moon; hamadryads, hamadryads, or dryads, are nymphs a.s.sociated with trees, and or dryads, are nymphs a.s.sociated with trees, and naiads naiads are nymphs a.s.sociated with rivers and streams. are nymphs a.s.sociated with rivers and streams. Elfin Elfin means elflike or charming (in contexts of magic). means elflike or charming (in contexts of magic). Tamarind trees, Tamarind trees, native to the Orient, have brightly colored, delightfully fragrant flowers and seedpods that are used as a spice. Poe's mythological beings are adapted from native to the Orient, have brightly colored, delightfully fragrant flowers and seedpods that are used as a spice. Poe's mythological beings are adapted from Studies of Nature Studies of Nature (1796), Henry Hunter's English translation of Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's (1796), Henry Hunter's English translation of Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's etudes de la Nature. etudes de la Nature. Along with the trite metaphors and allusions, this borrowing is a giveaway to Poe's casting his "poet" as pathetic. Poe's use of Saint-Pierre's book was recorded by Palmer C. Holt in "Notes on Poe's 'To Science,' 'To Helen,' and 'Ulalume'," Along with the trite metaphors and allusions, this borrowing is a giveaway to Poe's casting his "poet" as pathetic. Poe's use of Saint-Pierre's book was recorded by Palmer C. Holt in "Notes on Poe's 'To Science,' 'To Helen,' and 'Ulalume'," Bulletin of the New York Public Library, Bulletin of the New York Public Library, 63 (1959): p. 568. This poem is also an early treatment of male-female oppositions, which will frequently recur in Poe's creative writings. 63 (1959): p. 568. This poem is also an early treatment of male-female oppositions, which will frequently recur in Poe's creative writings.

2 (p. 11) the angel (p. 11) the angel Israfel: Israfel: Israfel, or Israfil, is described in the Koran as the angel of music, possessing a beautiful voice; thus he provides a perfect type for Poe's idea of poets as singers. Poe's knowledge of Israfel derives from George Sale's information in his translation of the Koran (1734). Israfel, or Israfil, is described in the Koran as the angel of music, possessing a beautiful voice; thus he provides a perfect type for Poe's idea of poets as singers. Poe's knowledge of Israfel derives from George Sale's information in his translation of the Koran (1734).

3 (p. 13) (p. 13) Helen, thy beauty is to me /... Are Holy Land!: Helen, thy beauty is to me /... Are Holy Land!: According to cla.s.sical legend, Helen of Troy was the most beautiful woman in the world. According to cla.s.sical legend, Helen of Troy was the most beautiful woman in the world. Nicean Nicean defies precise definition, although it may allude to various conflicts in ancient cla.s.sical or Christian lore. defies precise definition, although it may allude to various conflicts in ancient cla.s.sical or Christian lore. Naiad Naiad here means simply "graceful" or "beautiful." here means simply "graceful" or "beautiful." Psyche Psyche was a beautiful woman of cla.s.sical mythology whose lamp illuminated for her the features of her lover, Cupid, while he slept; Psyche may also mean "soul," and in combination these a.s.sociations characterize her as an illuminator-that is, a nurturer, mind-healer, or imaginative inspirer. She ultimately married her lover and was brought to heaven, and thus she is typically represented with wings. was a beautiful woman of cla.s.sical mythology whose lamp illuminated for her the features of her lover, Cupid, while he slept; Psyche may also mean "soul," and in combination these a.s.sociations characterize her as an illuminator-that is, a nurturer, mind-healer, or imaginative inspirer. She ultimately married her lover and was brought to heaven, and thus she is typically represented with wings.

4 (p. 24) (p. 24) Lenore: Lenore Lenore: Lenore derives from the same word root as derives from the same word root as Helen Helen (see note 3, above). Both carry implications of great beauty and dazzling light, and in both of Poe's poems the combination may serve intentionally to blur physical and ideal attractiveness. (see note 3, above). Both carry implications of great beauty and dazzling light, and in both of Poe's poems the combination may serve intentionally to blur physical and ideal attractiveness.

5 (p. 25) (p. 25) Perched upon a bust of Pallas: Perched upon a bust of Pallas: Pallas Athena is the Greek G.o.ddess of intellectual wisdom. The marble bust here may be pallid-that is, white or pale. The bird's choice of this perch is symbolic: Rationality will give way to irrationality. Pallas Athena is the Greek G.o.ddess of intellectual wisdom. The marble bust here may be pallid-that is, white or pale. The bird's choice of this perch is symbolic: Rationality will give way to irrationality.

6 (p. 28) (p. 28) It was hard by the dim lake of Auber, It was hard by the dim lake of Auber, /... /... In the ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir In the ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir-: Daniel-Francois-Esprit Auber (1782-1871) was a French composer, chiefly of operas. Robert Weir (1803-1889) was an American painter of the Hudson River School, noted for romantic and inspirational landscapes; ghouls here seem to be portrayed more kindly than usual.

7 (p.28) (p.28) Of cypress, with Psyche, my Soul: Of cypress, with Psyche, my Soul: Cypress trees are emblematic of death and mourning (see "Morella" for a similar theme). Cypress trees are emblematic of death and mourning (see "Morella" for a similar theme). Psyche, Psyche, the cla.s.sical representation of the soul (see note 3, above), refers here more precisely to intuition, which cautions the speaker against proceeding; ignoring her counsel brings about his emotional tragedy. the cla.s.sical representation of the soul (see note 3, above), refers here more precisely to intuition, which cautions the speaker against proceeding; ignoring her counsel brings about his emotional tragedy.

8 (p.28) (p.28) Their sulphurous currents down Yaanek /In the realms of the boreal pole: Yaanek Their sulphurous currents down Yaanek /In the realms of the boreal pole: Yaanek defies precise definition because Poe's context blurs Arctic and Antarctic implications. Poe may be alluding here to Mount Erebus, the only active volcano in Antarctica. defies precise definition because Poe's context blurs Arctic and Antarctic implications. Poe may be alluding here to Mount Erebus, the only active volcano in Antarctica.

9 (p. 29) (p. 29) And has come past the stars of the Lion: And has come past the stars of the Lion: This is a reference to the astrological sign of Leo. Intersections of Venus with Leo reputedly encourage l.u.s.t and are unfavorable to love and marriage; thus this line reinforces Psyche's counsel to the speaker in the next stanza. This is a reference to the astrological sign of Leo. Intersections of Venus with Leo reputedly encourage l.u.s.t and are unfavorable to love and marriage; thus this line reinforces Psyche's counsel to the speaker in the next stanza.

Tales 1 (p. 45) (p. 45) Pestis eram vivus Pestis eram vivus-moriens tua mors ero.-Martin Luther: The Latin quotation, from German religious reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546), translates as, "Living I have been your plague-dying I shall be your death." This idea dovetails with that of metempsychosis, or transmigration of souls from one kind of body to another, whether from one human to another or between humans and animals or vice versa. Poe repeats this theme in several of his works.

2 (p. 46) (p. 46) out-Heroded Herod: out-Heroded Herod: This is a paraphrase of a line from Shakespeare's Hamlet (act 3, scene 2). The expression means to be more extreme than Herod, the biblical king of Judea, who ordered the slaughter of male infants in hope of eradicating the Christ-child. Poe uses the phrase again in "The Masque of the Red Death" and "William Wilson." This is a paraphrase of a line from Shakespeare's Hamlet (act 3, scene 2). The expression means to be more extreme than Herod, the biblical king of Judea, who ordered the slaughter of male infants in hope of eradicating the Christ-child. Poe uses the phrase again in "The Masque of the Red Death" and "William Wilson."

3 (p. 53) (p. 53) Quand un bon vin meuble mon estomac Quand un bon vin meuble mon estomac /... /... Presenter du tabac: Presenter du tabac: The French translates as: "When a fine wine fills my stomach / I am more learned than Balzac-/ Smarter than Pibrac; / My single arm attacking / The nation of the Cossacks, / Would achieve a sack; / I would cross Charon's lake / Sleeping in his craft; / Would take pride in going to Aeacus, / Without my heart beating tick-tack, / To offer him snuff." In Greek mythology, Charon is a ferryman of souls to the underworld, and Aeacus is a judge in the underworld. The French translates as: "When a fine wine fills my stomach / I am more learned than Balzac-/ Smarter than Pibrac; / My single arm attacking / The nation of the Cossacks, / Would achieve a sack; / I would cross Charon's lake / Sleeping in his craft; / Would take pride in going to Aeacus, / Without my heart beating tick-tack, / To offer him snuff." In Greek mythology, Charon is a ferryman of souls to the underworld, and Aeacus is a judge in the underworld.

4 (p. 70) (p. 70) After many years spent in foreign travel, ... the vessel consequently crank: After many years spent in foreign travel, ... the vessel consequently crank: Places cited in these two paragraphs include Batavia, a city on the northwestern coast of Java, and the Lachadive, or Laccadive, Islands, which lie west of India. Coir, a fiber from coconut husks, is used to make ropes and mats. Jaggeree, or jaggery, is sugar made from coconuts or palm sap; ghee is clarified b.u.t.ter, which is used especially in Indian cooking. Places cited in these two paragraphs include Batavia, a city on the northwestern coast of Java, and the Lachadive, or Laccadive, Islands, which lie west of India. Coir, a fiber from coconut husks, is used to make ropes and mats. Jaggeree, or jaggery, is sugar made from coconuts or palm sap; ghee is clarified b.u.t.ter, which is used especially in Indian cooking. Crank Crank here denotes instability; that is, the s.h.i.+p is in danger of upsetting. here denotes instability; that is, the s.h.i.+p is in danger of upsetting.

5 (p. 78) (p. 78) we are whirling dizzily, in ... a gigantic amphitheatre, the summit of whose walls is lost in the darkness and the distance: we are whirling dizzily, in ... a gigantic amphitheatre, the summit of whose walls is lost in the darkness and the distance: The s.h.i.+p's sensational descent alludes to a theory popular in Poe's day-that there were "holes at the poles" through which one could penetrate to the center of the earth. The s.h.i.+p's sensational descent alludes to a theory popular in Poe's day-that there were "holes at the poles" through which one could penetrate to the center of the earth.

6 (p. 101) (p. 101) My books, at this epoch, ... many weeks of laborious and fruitless investigation: My books, at this epoch, ... many weeks of laborious and fruitless investigation: The t.i.tles in this paragraph refer to early treatises on religious philosophy. The Latin phrase, from The t.i.tles in this paragraph refer to early treatises on religious philosophy. The Latin phrase, from De Carne Christi (On the Flesh of Christ), De Carne Christi (On the Flesh of Christ), by the early-second-century Christian writer Tertullian, translates as, "The Son of G.o.d has died, it is to be believed because it is incredible, and was buried; he is risen, certainly, because it is impossible." by the early-second-century Christian writer Tertullian, translates as, "The Son of G.o.d has died, it is to be believed because it is incredible, and was buried; he is risen, certainly, because it is impossible."

7 (p. 107) It is (p. 107) It is unnecessary ... from the marked and agitated manner in which Morella mentioned them: unnecessary ... from the marked and agitated manner in which Morella mentioned them: The ideas concerning human will and ident.i.ty expressed in this paragraph involve ancient Greek (Pythagoras) and eighteenth-century German (Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Friedrich von Sch.e.l.ling) philosophic thought. John Locke, a seventeenth-century English philosopher, also took great interest in issues of ident.i.ty. Poe's narrator is fascinated with the idea that ident.i.ty, or will, may continue after death of the physical body. The ideas concerning human will and ident.i.ty expressed in this paragraph involve ancient Greek (Pythagoras) and eighteenth-century German (Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Friedrich von Sch.e.l.ling) philosophic thought. John Locke, a seventeenth-century English philosopher, also took great interest in issues of ident.i.ty. Poe's narrator is fascinated with the idea that ident.i.ty, or will, may continue after death of the physical body.

8 (p. 120) (p. 120) "'His Grace the Arch Duke Pest-Iferous... the Arch d.u.c.h.ess Ana-Pest."': "'His Grace the Arch Duke Pest-Iferous... the Arch d.u.c.h.ess Ana-Pest."': The names are comic references to the pest, or plague, although the final name may be a pun on the poetic term anapest (a metrical foot that comprises two unstressed syllables and one stressed syllable). The names are comic references to the pest, or plague, although the final name may be a pun on the poetic term anapest (a metrical foot that comprises two unstressed syllables and one stressed syllable).

9 (p. 126) (p. 126) the well of Democritus: the well of Democritus: No such quotation appears in the writings of Democritus, the early Greek philosopher-scientist (born c.460 B.C.), but Poe repeats the phrase several times in his writings. No such quotation appears in the writings of Democritus, the early Greek philosopher-scientist (born c.460 B.C.), but Poe repeats the phrase several times in his writings.

10 (p. 142) (p. 142) "set of articles, in the way of model or study": "set of articles, in the way of model or study": The articles named in the following text appeared, with one exception, in The articles named in the following text appeared, with one exception, in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine between 1821 and 1837. between 1821 and 1837. Confessions of an English Opium Eater, Confessions of an English Opium Eater, by Thomas De Quincey, originally appeared serially in by Thomas De Quincey, originally appeared serially in London Magazine London Magazine in September and October 1821; expanded, it appeared in book form the following year. in September and October 1821; expanded, it appeared in book form the following year.

11 (p. 147) (p. 147) "you can tell him from Lucan "you can tell him from Lucan ... ... a phrase which Silius Italicus ... applies to thoughts pompous and inflated": a phrase which Silius Italicus ... applies to thoughts pompous and inflated": Neither of the two foreign phrases comes from the author designated. The pa.s.sage supposedly from Lucan (a first-century Roman poet) actually comes from another cla.s.sical writer, Greek satirist and rhetorician Lucian (c.115-200 A.D.); Poe may have been careless or he may have deliberately confused the names to test his readers-or a compositor's error may have caused the subst.i.tution. The "Silius Italicus" pa.s.sage actually comes from a Latin translation of Longinus (a first-century Greek critic), which Poe knew and had correctly cited in an earlier version of this story. Neither of the two foreign phrases comes from the author designated. The pa.s.sage supposedly from Lucan (a first-century Roman poet) actually comes from another cla.s.sical writer, Greek satirist and rhetorician Lucian (c.115-200 A.D.); Poe may have been careless or he may have deliberately confused the names to test his readers-or a compositor's error may have caused the subst.i.tution. The "Silius Italicus" pa.s.sage actually comes from a Latin translation of Longinus (a first-century Greek critic), which Poe knew and had correctly cited in an earlier version of this story.

12 (p. 159) (p. 159) Son cur est un luth suspendu; l Sitot qu'on le touche il resonne.- Son cur est un luth suspendu; l Sitot qu'on le touche il resonne.-De Beranger: The motto is an inexact rendering of a written remark by French poet Pierre-Jean de Beranger (1780-1857). It maybe translated: "His heart is a suspended lute; / When touched it reverberates." A lute is a heart-shaped, stringed instrument. Poe may also allude to a device popular in his era, an aeolian harp, a stringed instrument placed in open windows, where the wind's pressure created "music" of an involuntary type. An aeolian harp fittingly symbolizes instabilities in Roderick Usher and the narrator.

13 (pp. 167-168) (pp. 167-168) In the greenest of our valleys, /... And laugh-but smile no more: In the greenest of our valleys, /... And laugh-but smile no more: This poem first appeared in the Baltimore This poem first appeared in the Baltimore American Museum American Museum (April 1839). Its placement at roughly midpoint in the tale and its lyrical intensity make it a deft epitome of Roderick's physical-emotional collapse, which in turn is mirrored in the responses of the narrator. (April 1839). Its placement at roughly midpoint in the tale and its lyrical intensity make it a deft epitome of Roderick's physical-emotional collapse, which in turn is mirrored in the responses of the narrator.

14 (p. 168) (p. 168) the sentience of all vegetable things: the sentience of all vegetable things: Sentience in this context refers to the endowment of vegetable matter with mental-emotional responsiveness. Specifically, the stunted, decayed growth evident in the "singularly dreary tract of country" traveled by the narrator as well as the fungi that overspreads the mansion (which closely resembles Usher's hair) symbolize the physical appearances and, more significant, the decayed emotional makeup of the major characters. Sentience in this context refers to the endowment of vegetable matter with mental-emotional responsiveness. Specifically, the stunted, decayed growth evident in the "singularly dreary tract of country" traveled by the narrator as well as the fungi that overspreads the mansion (which closely resembles Usher's hair) symbolize the physical appearances and, more significant, the decayed emotional makeup of the major characters.

15 (p. 169) (p. 169) such works as the "Ververt et Chartreuse" ... the Vigili Mortuorum secundum Chorum Ecclesi Maguntin: such works as the "Ververt et Chartreuse" ... the Vigili Mortuorum secundum Chorum Ecclesi Maguntin: Most of these books treat variously sacred or profane subjects (several of which again concern animal-vegetable bondings or nature-wors.h.i.+p, in which Pan and satyrs may figure), sometimes with comic implications (as in the mock epic Most of these books treat variously sacred or profane subjects (several of which again concern animal-vegetable bondings or nature-wors.h.i.+p, in which Pan and satyrs may figure), sometimes with comic implications (as in the mock epic Ver- Vert Ver- Vert [1734], by French satirical writer Jean-Baptiste Louis Gresset), unstable male-female relations.h.i.+ps, or mysticism or magic. The [1734], by French satirical writer Jean-Baptiste Louis Gresset), unstable male-female relations.h.i.+ps, or mysticism or magic. The Directorium Inquisitorium Directorium Inquisitorium (1376), by Spanish theologian Nicolas Eymeric, was used for examining heretics; its inclusion in this list may suggest that Roderick was himself a heretic, or that he wished to know what const.i.tuted a heretic. The (1376), by Spanish theologian Nicolas Eymeric, was used for examining heretics; its inclusion in this list may suggest that Roderick was himself a heretic, or that he wished to know what const.i.tuted a heretic. The Vigiliae Vigiliae was used as a ma.s.s for the dead at the Second Church in Mainz, Germany (1500), and was also invoked to keep vampires at bay. As such it may gloss the role of Madeline Usher, who could be a vampire-used by Poe, to be sure, for symbolic purpose in the tale. Thus Roderick may not wish to place her in the remote family graveyard because he may fear what the doctor may find, should he exhume her body to be used for medical purposes. was used as a ma.s.s for the dead at the Second Church in Mainz, Germany (1500), and was also invoked to keep vampires at bay. As such it may gloss the role of Madeline Usher, who could be a vampire-used by Poe, to be sure, for symbolic purpose in the tale. Thus Roderick may not wish to place her in the remote family graveyard because he may fear what the doctor may find, should he exhume her body to be used for medical purposes.

16 (p.202) (p.202) "Chantilly, Orion, Dr. Nichols, Epicurus, Stereotomy, the street stones, the fruiterer": "Chantilly, Orion, Dr. Nichols, Epicurus, Stereotomy, the street stones, the fruiterer": This exemplifies Dupin's quick-witted train of thought, which takes intuitive leaps from seventeenth-century astronomy (the constellation Orion), to the Greek philosopher Epicurus' theory of atoms, to stonecutting (stereotomy) and street-paving, to the collision of the narrator with the fruit seller. Dupin explains himself in subsequent paragraphs. This exemplifies Dupin's quick-witted train of thought, which takes intuitive leaps from seventeenth-century astronomy (the constellation Orion), to the Greek philosopher Epicurus' theory of atoms, to stonecutting (stereotomy) and street-paving, to the collision of the narrator with the fruit seller. Dupin explains himself in subsequent paragraphs.

17 (p. 248) (p. 248) Mr. Coleridge would have called mystical, Mr. Kant pantheistical, Mr. Carlyle twistical, and Mr. Emerson hyperquizzitistical Mr. Coleridge would have called mystical, Mr. Kant pantheistical, Mr. Carlyle twistical, and Mr. Emerson hyperquizzitistical ... ... I vowed to serve him as St. Patrick... served the toad: I vowed to serve him as St. Patrick... served the toad: Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) was an English Romantic poet and philosophical prose writer; Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), a German philosopher; Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), a Scottish essayist and historian; and Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), an American lecturer, essayist, and poet. Poe generally portrays them as writers whose meanings were obscure, a thought borne out by his own invented comic word "hyperquizzitistical." No specific source for the allusion to Saint Patrick (a fifth-century Irish apostle reputed to have freed Ireland of snakes) has been found, although Poe used it in another bit of writing, "Fifty Suggestions" (1849). Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) was an English Romantic poet and philosophical prose writer; Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), a German philosopher; Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), a Scottish essayist and historian; and Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), an American lecturer, essayist, and poet. Poe generally portrays them as writers whose meanings were obscure, a thought borne out by his own invented comic word "hyperquizzitistical." No specific source for the allusion to Saint Patrick (a fifth-century Irish apostle reputed to have freed Ireland of snakes) has been found, although Poe used it in another bit of writing, "Fifty Suggestions" (1849).

18 (p. 255) (p. 255) play unto its riddle the play unto its riddle the dipus: In Greek mythology, the Sphinx, a horrifying monster, ate all pa.s.sersby who could not solve its riddle, "What animal goes on four feet in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening?" Oedipus correctly answered that a human crawls on hands and knees as a child, walks upright in adulthood, and uses a cane in old age.

19 (p. 261) (p. 261) The Masque of the Red Death: The Masque of the Red Death: A masque is a brief but elaborate play originally intended for performance at a royal court (especially popular in Great Britain from the late sixteenth to the mid-seventeenth centuries). Masques incorporated music, dance, poetic drama, and ornate costumes, and often had origins in myth or allegory. Poe's tale includes all of these elements. Double-masqueing is used for the overall tale and for the stylized action of Prospero and the masquer in the conclusion. A masque is a brief but elaborate play originally intended for performance at a royal court (especially popular in Great Britain from the late sixteenth to the mid-seventeenth centuries). Masques incorporated music, dance, poetic drama, and ornate costumes, and often had origins in myth or allegory. Poe's tale includes all of these elements. Double-masqueing is used for the overall tale and for the stylized action of Prospero and the masquer in the conclusion.

20 (p. 261) The (p. 261) The "Red Death": "Red Death": The twice-repeated "Red Death" may indicate that the term has special significance for Prospero and his followers: They alone give a negative name to what may be one of life's most firm realities-that is, blood. Blood's a.s.sociation with life and death, and those in turn with change and time, is what this group wish to evade. The twice-repeated "Red Death" may indicate that the term has special significance for Prospero and his followers: They alone give a negative name to what may be one of life's most firm realities-that is, blood. Blood's a.s.sociation with life and death, and those in turn with change and time, is what this group wish to evade.

21 (p. 262) (p. 262) But first let me tell of the rooms in which it was held ... bold enough to set foot within its precincts at all: But first let me tell of the rooms in which it was held ... bold enough to set foot within its precincts at all: Varied interpretations of the "meaning" of the seven chambers are possible, the most likely being that they represent the seven stages of human life from birth to death. The primary blackness in the seventh chamber most probably symbolizes death; the accompanying red illumination, with its obvious tie to blood, may likewise represent s.e.xuality as the originator of life, but also, in colloquial parlance, hint of "dying" or s.e.xual climax. Varied interpretations of the "meaning" of the seven chambers are possible, the most likely being that they represent the seven stages of human life from birth to death. The primary blackness in the seventh chamber most probably symbolizes death; the accompanying red illumination, with its obvious tie to blood, may likewise represent s.e.xuality as the originator of life, but also, in colloquial parlance, hint of "dying" or s.e.xual climax.

22 (p. 265) (p. 265) It was in the blue room where stood the prince, with a group of pale courtiers by his side: It was in the blue room where stood the prince, with a group of pale courtiers by his side: Significantly, Prospero is in the blue room (suggesting that his notion is naive youth's feeling of invincibility) when he initiates the action that will bring about the climax of the tale. Blue here suggests a pleasant dawn-in this context, of life. A common interpretation of the color scheme in the tale is that it symbolizes a progression from birth or youth on to death. The scarlet chamber'