The
stories, and television reenactments, of Edgar Allan Poe’s works fascinated me
as a young reader. At the time, I am sure there was much I did not understand.
Recently, I reread his trilogy of murder mysteries, The Murders in the Rue
Morgue (1841); The Mystery of Marie Roget (1842-1843); and The Purloined Letter
(1844). There were phrases, on rereading, that I still had to break down to comprehend.
(...in furtherance of the impression...)
Poe’s
word choices often stump me. (Thank goodness for e-dictionaries.) Raise your
hands, how many other than souse chefs knew the word grisette (a common edible woodland mushroom)? How about inditer? And, for Troy’s sake, myrmidons?
Much
of Poe’s style is reflected in today’s genres: traditional mystery, detective
stories, thrillers, noir, horror, and science fiction. And for poets, of
course, The Raven.
Though
I have read and reread the mystery trilogy, I must confess that the short
stories of Edgar Allan Poe that influenced me most were The Pit and the
Pendulum (1842); The Tell-Tale Heart (1842); and The Premature Burial (1844).
Now,
if you’ll excuse me, I want to read The Cask of Amontillado (1846). The Introduction
offers the promise of a most satisfying revenge.
Oh yes, "Nevermore!" No I'd never heard of grisete. Poe was an amazing word-inventor and writer
ReplyDeletePoe stands alone. I have even listened to a reader's translation as this brought so much new light to his dark stories.
ReplyDeleteThe Cask of Amontillado was my favorite of Poe's stories in high school - I haven't read him since then - but now I'm tempted to, again - I love those words you shared!
ReplyDeleteI haven't reread any of Poe's work for years. I think I'll revisit those short stories too.
ReplyDeletePatricia
Poe Rocks! "And this maiden she lived with no other thought than to love and be loved by me"
ReplyDeleteThere are many murder mysteries revolving around the Raven.
ReplyDeleteHitchcock's The Birds is one of them ?