Poe's Legacy: 300 Episodes of Exploration

Welcome to Celebrate Poe - This is episode 300 - “Poe's Legacy: 300 Episodes of Exploration”

Yes, this a point that I never thought the Ghost of Mr. Poe and myself would never reach - the 300th episode of this podcast.  I like to think that the title of this episode reflects on the journey through Poe's life and works, celebrating the depth of content covered in the podcast - and this podcast has not even reached the half-way point of Poe’s life - a life that had so many creativity that this podcast hasn’t even touched - at least, yet.

For this episode I want to have a small, imaginary dinner party to celebrate the 300th episode of his podcast with an exclusive guest list consisting of the Ghost of Edgar Allan Poe - he is the man of the hour- as well as the imaginary ghost of William Shakespeare, as the ghost of Charles Dickens and the ghost of Walt Whitman - they all indirectly played a part in Poe’s life, and would be fascinating characters in their own right - then I realized that ghosts are formless and don’t require food - but I am looking forward, anyway, to have a gathering of these literary giants - or at least their ghosts to see how they all get along.  Oh, I am sure they will make fun of each other, but secretly admire the artistry that each represents - I expect that will be a great deal of good-natured ribbing.

Thank you for experiencing Celebrate Poe.

Transcript

Welcome to Celebrate Poe - This is episode 300 - “Poe's Legacy: 300 Episodes of Exploration”- Now after this episode, Celebrate Poe will have an episode regarding Edgar Poe and Christmas, and a series of episodes celebrating the 12 days of Christmas - except I decided to have a transition episode dealing with Poe and Oz first - yes there is a connection! - and then I will read the entire 24 chapters of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - a process that should take up 12 episodes.

Yes, this a point that I never thought the Ghost of Mr. Poe and myself would never reach - the 300th episode of this podcast.  I like to think that the title of this episode reflects on the journey through Poe's life and works, celebrating the depth of content covered in the podcast - and this podcast has not even reached the half-way point of Poe’s life - a life that had so many creativity that this podcast hasn’t even touched - at least, yet.

The first time around, I began Celebrate Poe in West Virginia, and it was all I could do to make it through six episodes.  But I began the version you are listening to now in Indianapolis, Indiana 4 years ago accidentally on October 19 - a day that is also my sister’s birthday - Freud might have a field day with that one.

For this episode I want to have a small, imaginary dinner party to celebrate the 300th episode of his podcast with an exclusive guest list consisting of the Ghost of Edgar Allan Poe - he is the man of the hour- as well as the imaginary ghost of William Shakespeare, as the ghost of Charles Dickens and the ghost of Walt Whitman - they all indirectly played a part in Poe’s life, and would be fascinating characters in their own right - then I realized that ghosts are formless and don’t require food - but I am looking forward, anyway, to have a gathering of these literary giants - or at least their ghosts to see how they all get along.  Oh, I am sure they will make fun of each other, but secretly admire the artistry that each represents - I expect that will be a great deal of good-natured ribbing.

Oh, and one more thing - I try to deal with the historical Poe in Celebrate Poe, but realized when I finished this episode that I was often dealing with the mythical view of Poe - the stereotypes - but even though the stereotypical view may be exaggerated and sometimes based in fancy, it still is valid too.

GHOST SOUND

I believe that Mr. Poe is already here.

Ah, Mr. Bartley, as the spectral form of Edgar Allan Poe, a sense of foreboding creeps over my ethereal visage. The air hangs heavy with anticipation, thick as the fog that shrouds a forgotten cemetery. With currently no guest - other than Mr. Bartley - my ghostly eyes are forced to dart nervously about the room, searching for signs of my illustrious companions yet to arrive.

Mr. Poe, just please be patient.  You know how writers are - all those words and comments regarding the world - they are probably somewhere talking.

Ah, but Mr. Bartley, my mind has become a maelstrom of melancholy musings, and I realize that I, who have so often dwelt upon the boundary between life and death, should now find myself trapped in this liminal realm. The irony is not lost on me, for in life I sought to unravel the mysteries of mortality, and now in death, I am but a shadow of my former self, awaiting the arrival of fellow literary shades.

Mr. Poe - I am eager to hear what those invited will say tonight - I wanted to have a small group - and I invited the ghost of William Shakespeare, the ghost of Charles Dickens, and the ghost of Walt Whitman.

Mr. Bartley, a fascinating selection, but that presents the most interesting question. "What tales shall we weave tonight, we ghosts of literary giants? Will our words echo through eternity, or fade like the last gasps of a dying man? Perhaps, in this gathering of spectral scribes, we shall finally uncover the ultimate truth that eluded us in life – the nature of our own existence beyond the veil.”

Mr. Poe, sometimes you can be so overdramatic.

Ah, Mr. Bartley, The prospect of meeting such literary giants stirs both excitement and unease within my ethereal being. Permit me to ruminate upon your literary guests. 

"Shakespeare, the Bard himself - what depths of human nature might we plumb together? His tragedies resonate with the very essence of my own sorrowful existence. Perhaps we shall discourse on the fine line between genius and madness, a boundary I have oft traversed.”

And “Mr. Dickens, that master of the macabre masked in societal critique - how curious to compare our tales of woe and injustice. Might we find common ground in our exploration of the human psyche's darkest corners?”

"And Mr. Whitman, that celebrator of life and self - how will my preoccupation with death and decay fare against his exuberant vitality? Will our contrasting perspectives illuminate new truths about the human condition?"

But any interactions would undoubtedly be colored by the specter of my past traumas. "How can I engage in frivolous banter when the shadows of my beloved Virginia and dear mother still haunt my every thought? Will these literary titans see beyond my reputation as a tormented soul, or will I forever be trapped in the narrative of my own tragic life?"

"With Mr. William Shakespeare, I yearn to delve into the intricacies of crafting suspense and terror. How did he conjure the witches of Macbeth or the ghost in Hamlet with such chilling effect? And what of his sonnets - might we compare techniques in evoking emotion through meter and rhyme?”

“Mr. Dickens and I could explore the use of symbolism and allegory in our works. How does one weave social commentary into tales of mystery and suspense without sacrificing the story's integrity?"

"I also wonder, does Mr. Whitman’s celebration of the physical form extend beyond the veil of death? How might we reconcile his joyous 'barbaric yawp' with the somber tolling of my funereal bells? Perhaps in our contrasting views, we might uncover some greater truth about the cycle of life and death.”

Ah, perhaps in this gathering of literary spirits, I might find some solace for my eternally tormented soul.

GHOST SOUND

Ah, you must be Mr. William Shakespeare.  I Mr. Bartley - and this is Mr. Poe. 

Greetings Mr. Poe and Mr. Bartley and to quote from my play As You Like It

”All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts.

Mr. Poe, this passage likens life to a play, emphasizing that everyone has their moments of entry, time of growth, and eventual demise.

Mr. Shakespeare - this is indeed an honor.

Before we continue, I would like to present you with this sonnet - a sonnet that I have composed specifically for Mr. Edgar Poe.

"Shall I compare thee to a midnight dreary?
Thou art more gloomy and more severe.
Thy quill doth scratch tales dark and eerie,
Of ravens, hearts, and madness queer.
In catacombs and haunted halls,
Thy characters do wail and weep.
While I wrote of kings in marble walls,
You plumb the depths where terrors creep.
Three hundred times thy voice hath rung,
Through airwaves to attentive ears.
Thy macabre tales forever sung,
Inspiring chills and timeless fears.
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives Poe, and this podcast gives life to thee.”

These final two lines are particularly significant because they encapsulate the central theme of the poem.  I assert that my beloved's beauty will be eternalized through my poetry. I believe that as long as people can read ("eyes can see") and live ("men can breathe"), his words will keep the subject's beauty alive.  Some would even interpret these lines as my confident declaration that my poetry will endure through time, which has indeed proven true.  In a similar fashion, I believe that So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives Poe, and this podcast gives life to thee.”

My dear Shakespeare, let me speak to you in jest,. Your ghosts may walk the stage, good Bard, but the spirits of Edgar Poe haunt the very souls of readers.

Ah, Mr. Poe - you do have a fascinating mastery of the macabre - all one must do is examine your use of ghosts.

Indeed Mr. Shakespeare - but my spirits pale in comparison to your spectral creations in Hamlet and Macbeth.

Ah, but Mr. Poe, surely you jest, but I have composed some more lines just for you.

"O Poe, thy pen doth paint the darkest night,
With ravens, hearts, and terrors of the mind.
Thy verse, a labyrinth of grim delight,
Where reason and madness are intertwined.
In measured rhyme, thou weav'st a haunting spell,
That chills the blood and quickens mortal breath.
Thy tales, like players on a spectral stage,
Perform the dance 'twixt life and certain death.
Though centuries divide our earthly days,
In spirit, we are kindred, thou and I.
For in the depths of human soul we gaze,
And bare the truths that 'neath the surface lie.
Thy 'Raven' perches high in letters' hall,
A worthy peer to any I recall.”

Ah, Mr. Shakespeare - I am most honored by your words. Your speech captures your style while acknowledging my contributions to literature. It references some of my most famous works and themes, such as "The Raven," my use of rhyme, and my exploration of the human psyche. The mention of "players on a spectral stage" alludes to both your theatrical background and my ghostly narratives.

GHOST SOUND

Why it is the ghost of Mr. Charles Dickens!

“I say, Poe, old chap! Three hundred episodes? That's more visitations than Scrooge had on Christmas Eve!”  And I must say that I admire your use of detective stories, Mr. Poe - much like my own Bleak House with its Inspector Bucket and its 20 episodes.

"I say, Poe, remember when you visited me in Philadelphia? My raven Grip took quite a shine to you! The bird had a penchant for mischief, you know. Once, he stole a shiny clasp knife from a carpenter and hid it in my inkwell. Imagine my surprise when I dipped my pen and fished out a knife instead! I daresay, Grip's antics were as unpredictable as the twists in your tales. Perhaps that's why you immortalized him so hauntingly in your poem.”

And then there was the time when Grip swooped down and snatched Poe's cravat right off his neck! There you where, chasing a raven around my study, shouting 'Nevermore!' at the top of your lungs. I daresay, it was a scene worthy of one of your tales!

GHOST SOUND

Mr. Poe, we have definitely met before I am Walt Whitman, and your voyage of 300 episodes stands as a beacon to all who dare to dream and write.  I sing the podcast electric!” 

And Mr. Whitman, I must say your free verse and expansive catalogs are quite unlike anything I've encountered before.”

"And your meticulous rhyme schemes and dark themes are equally distinctive, Mr. Poe. We seem to approach poetry from opposite ends of the spectrum."

Mr. Whitman, ”I find beauty in exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the supernatural. My work often delves into psychological states that disturb human existence."

“Interesting, Mr. Poe. I prefer to celebrate the human experience in all its forms. My poetry aims to embrace life, democracy, and the divine in the body.”

Mr. Whitman, ”I tend to employ a more structured approach, using traditional forms, rhyme, and meter to create a specific mood and effect.”

Ah, Mr. Poe - In contrast, I've chosen to break free from conventional forms. My style aligns more with the rhythms of natural speech and the vastness of America itself.”

Mr. Whitman, ”I often use symbolism to represent abstract concepts. For instance, I might use light and darkness to discuss supernatural events and their impact on life.

But Mr. Poe,”I also use symbolism, but perhaps more to represent the interconnectedness of all things. I see the divine in the everyday and try to express that in my work.”

Mr. Whitman, I tend to employ a high level of vocabulary and language, believing it best conveys the intended meaning to my audience.”

Mr. Poe - while I prefer a more democratic approach to language, using the vernacular to connect with a wider audience. I believe poetry should speak in the language of ordinary people.”

"I'm most curious about your approach to revision, Mr. Whitman. I understand you frequently revisit and alter your work.”

“Indeed, Mr. Poe -  I view my poetry as a living entity, constantly evolving. Each edition of 'Leaves of Grass' reflects my growth as a poet and a person.”

"While our styles differ greatly, I must admit there's an undeniable power in your verse, Mr. Whitman.

And I, in turn, admire the technical precision and 'electric lights of imaginative literature' in your work, Mr. Poe.”While you and I would likely find more differences than similarities in our approaches, we might also recognize in each other a shared dedication to pushing the boundaries of American poetry, each in our own unique way.

Gentlemen, please do not monopolize the conversation.

As Master Shakespeare, I am most curious  - ”Master Poe, pray tell, how doth one craft such tales of woe?”

Why, good Bard, 'tis simple. I merely listen to the whispers of the night.”

As Master Dickens, I would say - ”Whispers? - more like the bellows of a madman!"

Charles, my dear fellow, in madness dost lies genius. You of all people should know that - for now is the winter of our discontent.”

"Aye, and in genius lies madness. 'Tis but a fine line between the two.”

"I recall when Dickens showed me his pet raven, Grip. The bird took one look at me and squawked, 'Nevermore!' I said, 'Charles, your bird is quite the critic. Perhaps he should review my next story.' Dickens laughed so hard, I feared he might expire on the spot. I considered it a grave situation indeed!"

Speaking of lines, Poe, your Raven seems to have stolen quite a few from my poor Grip!”

You refer to 

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
“’Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door—
Only this and nothing more.
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December;
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore—
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore—
 Nameless here for evermore.

Borrowed, Charles, merely borrowed. As you borrowed from life for your characters.”

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, let us not quarrel. We are all thieves of life's great pageant.” Nevertheless, ”Master Poe, thy quill doth drip with darkness most profound.”

"And yours, good Bard, with flowery prose that oft confounds.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, let's not quarrel. Though I must say, Poe, your tales are grimmer than a London fog.”

At least my fog has substance, Charles. Yours is mostly hot air.

"I'd wager my doublet that Master Poe could pen a comedy most mirthful, if he but tried.”

And I'd bet my quill that you, Shakespeare, could write a tale to chill the bones.”

"I dare say, between the four of us, we could craft a story to both tickle and terrify!”

Gentlemen - I appreciate your attendance and good natured ribbing - and I do hope that there will be another gathering of the literary minds for the 600th episode of Celebrate Poe.

I’d settle for the 500th episode.

GHOST SOUND

Farewell, gentlemen.

Join Celebrate Poe for episode 301 - Poe and the 12 Days of Christmas

Sources include The Life and Times of Edgar Allan Poe by Hervey Allen, The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, by Edgar Allan Poe, edited by James Albert Harrison, The Poe Log: A Documentary Life of Edgar Allan Poe by Dwight R. Thomas and David K. Jackson, Edgar Allan Poe: A Life From Beginning to End (Biographies of Am and The Afterlife of Edgar Allan Poe by Scott Peoples.