Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe

Of course I have always been aware of Edgar Allan Poe, but I was never really interested in reading any of his works. That was until last year- when the film 'The Raven' hit cinema screens. Recently released on DVD, the Raven provoked me to read some of Poe's short stories.

The Pit and Pendulum (1843)

The pit and pendulum is one of Poe’s short stories.

An unnamed narrator opens the story by revealing that he has been sentenced to death during the time of the Inquisition (an institution of the Catholic government in the 15^th/16^th century Spain that persecuted all Protestants and heretical Catholics).

When the narrator reveals he has been sentenced to death he faints. When he wakes he faces complete darkness. The narrator is confused as the usual fate of the Inquisition normally takes the form of hanging.

Walking around the walls leads the narrator to think he has been captured and is being prisoned in Toledo, an Inquisition prison. When attempting to explore the tomb and see how wide it is the narrator stumbles and collapses to the ground.

Waking to water and bread the narrator continues his exploration of the tomb in complete darkness. He trips and falls again finding he is on the edge of, what he assumes, is a pit in the centre of the tomb. He finds a stone and throws it into the abyss, believing it to be quite deep- the narrator explains the pit is a function of surprise. After finding more water the narrator passes out again.

He wakes up to find the prison dimly lit, and remarks that he overestimated its size. The narrator finds he is now bound to a wooden board by a long strap wrapped around his body. Looking up the narrator sees the figure of time painted on the ceiling. Time has been made into a machine, a pendulum- which swings from the ceiling- however it is not like any ordinary pendulum. The pendulum is constructed with a razor-sharp crescent and is its descent towards him.

Rats begin to swarm up out of the pit and surround him and the food which was left out for the captive. The narrator remains hopeful as the pendulum is swinging and descending very slowly. The rats climb on top of the narrator and chew through the strap keeping him on the table. As the pendulum nears his heart and tears some of his clothing- the rats break through the strap. When he gets up the pendulum retracts the narrator is positive he is being watched…

…and that’s when the walls of the prison begin to move inwards. The narrator realises it will move him towards the pit in the centre. However, the walls stop moving inwards just as the narrator begins to fall- to his great surprise someone latches onto him and prevents him falling any further.

The French general Lasalle and his army have successfully taken over the prison in their effort to terminate the Inquisition.

The Masque of Red Death (1845)

A disease known as the Red Death plagues the fictional country where this story takes place. The Prince, Prospero, instead of mourning the plague – like many others, he instead feels hopeful. He decides to lock the gates of his palace in order to fend off the plague, ignoring the disease ravaging the land.

After several months he decides to throw a masquerade ball. For the celebration, he decorates seven rooms in his house, each having a different theme- Blue, purple, green, orange, white and violet with the final room being black. This room also contains an ebony clock, when is chimes each hour the sound is so loud that everyone stops talking and the orchestra stops playing. When the clock is not sounding the rooms are filled with people enjoying the masquerade, the black room is the only place not filled with people.

At midnight a new guest appears, dressed in a mask that looks like the face of a corpse and his garments covered in blood suggesting that he is a victim of the Red Death. The prince is angry at the guest and finally catches up to the guest in the black room. As soon as he confronts the figure the prince dies. As soon as rest of the party guests enter the room they find there is nobody underneath the costume. The entire party soon dies, for the Red Death has infiltrated the castle.

‘Darkness and decay and the Red Death’ have at last triumphed.

The Murders in the Rue Morgue

This is one of Poe’s detective fictions- the story centring on who killed Madame L’Espanaye and her daughter Mademoiselle Camille.

An unnamed narrator begins this tale of murder and criminal detection with discussion of the analytic mind. He describes the analyst as driven paradoxically by both intuition and the moral inclination to disentangle what confuses his peers. He adds that the analyst takes delight in mathematical study and in the game of checkers, which allows the calculating individual to practice the art of detection—not only of the moves integral to the game, but also the demeanor of his opponent. The narrator argues, however, that analysis is not merely ingenuity. He states that while the ingenious man may, at times, be analytic, the calculating man is, without fail, always imaginative.

The narrator describes how he met C. Auguste Dupin- both men were searching for the same book at an obscure library, in Paris. We soon see Dupin’s great understanding of the mind- as he describes what the narrator is pondering over in his mind.

Soon, thereafter the narrator and Dupin read the newspaper headlines about a horrible murder at the Rue Morgue. One night at three a.m the neighbours hear L’Espanaye and her daughter screaming from their apartment. The neighbours hear the voices of two people and then silence.

The story moves on from here, showing the newspapers witnesses and how they remember the scene of the crime. The narrator and Dupin then begin to take a look around the L’Espanaye’s apartment for clues as the police are at a loss. The two men that the witnesses heard were unable to hide the body of the daughter up the chimney as it impossible for only two men to perform such a physical task.

Dupin summarizes that no human could have performed these acts and upon summoning a sailor to the scene he learns he is right…

Learning that a sailor has lost an ape- it soon becomes clear who is responsible for the murders in the Rue Morgue.

The Oval Portrait

‘The Oval Portrait’ is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe involving the disturbing circumstances surrounding a portrait in a chateau. It is one of his shortest stories only filling two pages in its initial publication in 1842.

The tale begins with an injured narrator seeking refuge in an abandoned mansion in the Apennines- we have no explanation of his wounds. He spends his time admiring the works of art decorating the strangely- shaped room. He eventually discovers a painting which shocks him which he refers to as ‘absolute life-likeliness of expression’. He spends a moment in silent awe until he cannot bear to look at it anymore- then he consults a book which describes the paintings found in the house.

The reminder of the story is a selection from the book which discusses when it was created etc. The painting was by an eccentric artist depicting his young wife, but he grew more and more obsessed with the painting to the point he forgot about his wife’s personal needs. When he finishes the painting and looks up at his wife he discovers that she is dead and her spirit was transferred into the lifelike painting.

The Travels of Interior Africa by Mungo Park

Yet again, I found myself nearing Friday (my one day at university- 3 grand for one day, don’t get me started) and yet to pick up the novel for this week’s lecture. Although these books tend to have interesting covers I still judge it by the predecessors in the module! However, Mungo Park’s travels in Africa are so endearing and quirky!

PLOT

Mungo Park was an explorer, embarking on his first trip to Africa funded by the African Association in 1794. During this time Africa was still considered to be a very dangerous place for exploration and travellers. Mungo Park’s first novel describes the conditions and discovery that Mungo comes across- whilst travelling towards the Niger River.

Mungo begins by telling the readers of his journey to Africa- although he does not linger on his experience of the ship. He jumps straight into his first glimpse of Africa and the people inhabiting it.  His novel is concerned with the display of hospitality from the natives, or more prominently the lack of!

Mungo’s novel is based upon his journey and what he encounters on the way. This includes stories the natives tell him- for example the harsh truths of the West African traditions called ‘Mumbo Jumbo’. Mungo come across many dangerous exploits and becomes a hostage of the renowned ‘Moors’- however, will he escape and finish his journey?

Rating 4*- This is another novel that surprised me. The historical and cultural aspect of Mungo’s journey is fascinating and involves so much content that was first discovered on his journey.

In using his personal stories he brings his text to life- straying away from the guidelines set by other travellers of the time, he produces a very different text. Knowing this was a real journey undertaken by a lone man, it is easy to relate to the dangerous setting and Mungo is determined to not return home until he has completed his exploration.

I Am a Woman by Ann Bannon

This is another of the novels that was on my reading list over summer, unfortunately I read nothing but Stephen King and young adult novels (it’s great getting to read what you want). So I was sat on the train back to University wondering how on earth I was going to read 232 pages in in less than 3 hours. However, to my surprise the reading list this year has become more and more enjoyable! I finished the novel in less than the 3 hours and ordered the other two books in the series on amazon!

PLOT

‘I am a Woman’ is a lesbian pulp fiction novel written in 1959. It is the second in a series known as ‘The Beebo Brinker Chronicles’. The story begins with the main character, Laura Landon- a year after she has left college. She is living with her unkind and harsh judging father as he perceives that she dropped out of college because she was failing. Unable to put up with her father any longer, Laura packs and leaves her home in the middle of the night and goes to New York.

She soon finds a job as a secretary and lands herself an apartment with a roommate- Marcie. Marcie is young, beautiful and impulsive and Laura moves into the Greenwich Village apartment looking forward to getting to know her new roommate.

Marcie constantly fights with her ex-husband Burr, who is often at the girl’s apartment. Laura begins to intensely hate Burr after the numerous fights she over hears- and recognises she is jealous of Burr because of her own attraction to Marcie. However, Burr introduces one of the most important people to Laura- Jack Mann. Jack and Burr take the girls on a double date, where Jack takes them to a gay bar. Jack is clearly an alcoholic and often gets drunk, but he is a good natured man whom Laura finds to become the closest friend she has in New York.

Will Laura hide her feelings from Marcie forever? Will Laura realise who she really is? Running away from home was never going to be the hardest decision; Laura is left more confused than ever in New York City.

Rating 5*- I was unable to put this book down, luckily for me I had a deadline to read it for, however this book totally passed my expectations. Ann Bannon was a revolutionary writer and ‘I am a Woman’ is innovative and riveting, displaying what life was like in New York around this time. In the 50’s and 60’s many pulp fiction novels did pop up and with this so did the interest in Greenwich Village in New York. The novel inspired many young men and women to travel to the coast and experience what life could be life for them. The American government being a right wing party endeavoured that many people were socially withdrawn and unaccepted in their own society- but these books helped bring to light the entire community of gay and lesbian individuals on the West Coast.

Not only is the historical value of this novel interesting, but the characters themselves are likable and entertaining. The novel is fast paced and is impossible to put down- I was determined to see what happened to Laura and the plot twists are totally unexpected. This novel is uncharacteristic of all the expectations I held of it- although its front cover should have given it away! Well worth each of the five *’s I give it, in this review.

Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

PLOT
Julia Quinn writes historical romance novels and has received a number of RITA’s for the best regency historical romance. ‘Just Like Heaven’ is the first book in the series ‘The Smythe-Smith Quartet’. Honoria Smythe-Smith is the youngest daughter of the eldest son of the Earl of Winstead. Honoria is still single and knows she must marry in order to escape her family orchestra quartet. She is aware that they are dreadful and freely admitts that she thinks she is the worst of them all!  

Marcus Holroyd, is Honoria’s brothers best friend, however Daniel lives in exile out of the country leaving Marcus to look over his family. However, once he learns that Honoria is determined to marry by the end of the season- he knows he needs to take extreme caution when allowing her to pick an honourable husband.    

Will Marcus be able to swoop in and steal her heart before the end of the season?

Rating 3*- It is the first time I’ve read an historical novel and this book surprised me! Julia gives a good insight into the Regency period and her characters portray the period very well. Honoria is what you would typically expect from a character; however both she and Marcus surprised me throughout the novel. They are, on the outside, as reserved as expected, but Quinn uses internal monologues which delve into Honoria’s and Marcus’ thoughts. The interchanging chapters switch between the two characters giving the readers to chance to get to know each character on a more personal level.

Although I have not given the book the highest of stars, the main enjoyment I got from this novel was from Quinn’s humour. Very subtle and hilariously placed, Quinn is  a great and entertaining writer. While it was not the most of gripping of reads, I finished the novel and the humours aspect made it all the more enjoyable!

Orlando by Virginia Woolf

This book has been on my reading list over the summer- for returning to university. I have read a couple of Virginia’s books- and I expected this to be on the same wavelength. Woolf’s books are heavy and difficult to just pick up and read. However, Orlando is the complete opposite. This is by far the most enjoyable novel I have read by Woolf and the easiest!

PLOT

Orlando begins the story a boy, progressing into manhood. He lives in London during the reign of Elizabeth I. He is briefly a lover to the queen who is growing ill with age- a poignant line in the novel occurs when she tells Orlando to never grow old. After the queen’s death Orlando finds a new love interest, in a Russian princess, Sasha. However, after the ice in London melts Sasha disappears leaving Orlando heartbroken. He begins an isolated life at this stage and takes up writing, poetry specifically.

The second stage of Orlando’s life begins in Constantinople, where he serves as a British ambassador. However, after a night of civil unrest and riots, Orlando falls into a deep sleep. After days of sleep Orlando eventually awakens as a woman.

Now, Lady Orlando, leaves Constantinople in order to begin a new life as a female. On a ship back to England she realises how much changes with her change of sex, the list of things she cannot or must not do, she never even considered when she was male.

Orlando experiences life, as a woman in the 18^thand 19^th centuries, with a number of new friends and acquaintances. Finally, after winning the lawsuit over her property (being a woman meant her inheritance of her mansion was in jeopardy) she marries Captain Marmaduke Bonthrop Shelmerdine. Finally in 1928 Orlando publishes her poem she started at the beginning of the novel- The Oak Tree.

Rating 4*- It is interesting to see how Woolf’s style changes so much when she wrote a novel she considered as a ‘break from writing’. This is a quirky and fun read-something I was not first expecting! Having read a number of novels by Woolf, including‘A Room of One’s Own’ and ‘Mrs Dalloway’, this is by far the best read.

If you are looking for something a little different and historical this is definitely worth a read! The history through the eyes of a man changing into woman is so fascinating, especially in Virginia Woolf’s written style. I really cannot recommend this book enough, well worth giving it a go!

If you think this book is a little too heavy- watch Sally Potter’s version of Orlando. Tilda Swinton takes the role of Orlando in a unusual adaptation!

Maid for the Billionaire by Ruth Cardello

I have usually heard about all the novels I read before I read them- whether they are recommended by a friend or are simply in the book chart I am not the type of person to just buy anything!

However, after my old phone decided to pack up I decided to go for an iPhone! After messing about for hours getting new apps and installing quirky features I came across iBooks! I downloaded any books or sample chapters that were free. This led me to this week’s book which was in free for the full version!

PLOT

It was only 200 or so pages long and the plot is not complicated but simple and for an easy read.

School teacher, Abby meets billionaire Dom, when cleaning his apartment in Boston, which she is covering for her sister. From the off the sexual tension is high, after inviting her to accompany him to a meeting the following day – Abby decides to live life on the wild side for once.

After the following day, Abby finds herself in China’s capital, Beijing. Dom decides if he can’t stay in Boston with her she must accompany him to his business meetings.

Will Dom risk his business to win Abby over? Or will his business prove to be more important that pleasure?

Rating 2*- Very cheesy- you have got to be in a mood where you will cringe at the very romantic, (maybe tacky is a better word) and unrealistic ending. I have to admit though, I did enjoy this book, although I think that was partly because it was free, but also because of all the hard hitting horror novels I have been reading recently. This novel presented an idealist world where you would never have to worry about money. Essentially this is just another Fifty Shades novel- which, although is not as graphic, hits the spot (pardon the pun) when you want a light romantic read!

It is part of a trilogy (most books seem to be today) and sadly the other novels that follow are not free. Needless to say, I don’t think I shall be purchasing them.

The Mist by Stephen King

‘Stephen King is one of the bestselling writers in the world. A master of the short narrative form, King knows how to write stories that draw you in and are impossible to put down. His story collections have been described in the Sunday Telegraph as mysterious, gripping and satisfyingly scary.’
‘A short story is a different thing altogether – a short story is like a quick kiss in the dark from a stranger. That is not, of course, the same thing as an affair or a marriage, but kisses can be sweet, and their brevity forms their own attraction’ Stephen King.

PLOT

‘The Mist’ is a horror novella and has recently been adapted into a major movie. Written in 1980, it was not until 2007 that his short story was turned into a film- however King’s short narratives have always proved to be best sellers!

‘The Mist’- like the majority of King’s novellas- is set in Maine. King introduces us to the landscape and beauty of Maine, first the lake house and setting is described following Billy, his father (David) and mother (Steffi).

The formidable first sentence sets the scene of horror that is to continue …

‘This is what happened. On the night that the worst heat wave in northern New England history finally broke- the night of July 19 – the entire western Maine region was lashed with the most vicious thunderstorms I have ever seen’.

King’s style and form never fails to hook his readers- directing his story from the first line he invites his audience to immerse themselves into his very realistic stories…

Rating 5* -King captured my attention from the very first line. Finishing the novella in a few short hours I could not put it down! I have never seen the film adaptation but I had a very realistic image of the white mist finding its way through my bedroom window…

n Stephen King’s words… ‘Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.’