Published in 1845 in various magazines, first in the New York _Evening Mirror_ of January 29. This is the most famous if not the best of Poe's poems. There is a clear thread of narrative and greater dramatic interest than in any other of the author's poems. If possible, read "The Philosophy of Composition," in which Poe gives a remarkable account of the composition of this poem, an account which is to be accepted, however, as explaining only the mechanical side of the work. This essay is included in Cody's "Best Poems and Essays" (see Bibliography, page xxxi). Read the comment in the Introduction, page xxiv. Note the numerous alliterations. 34. thereat is. Was the idea phrased this way for any other purpose than to make a rhyme? Is it artistic? 38. Raven. Read an account of the bird in a natural history or an encyclopedia; it is frequently mentioned in English literature as a bird of ill omen. 41. Pallas: Minerva, goddess of wisdom. Consult Gayley's "Classic Myths." Is a bust of Pallas appropriate for a library? 47. Plutonian: from Pluto, god of the underworld. 64, 65. burden: thought or theme. 76-77. gloated ... gloating. It is impossible to say just what is suggested. It is characteristically vague. Find other examples in this poem. 80. tinkled on the tufted floor. Not very easy to imagine. In "Ligeia," Poe speaks of "carpets of tufted gold," apparently meaning fabrics of very thick and rich material. Perhaps we may think of the tinkling as proceeding from tiny bells. 81. "Wretch," etc. The lover addresses himself. 82. nepenthe: a name given in Homer's "Odyssey" to a drug offered to Helen in Egypt, the effect of which was to banish all grief and pain. Later the term was sometimes used for opium. 89. balm in Gilead. Gilead is a district on the banks of the Jordan and the "balm" an herb of reputed medicinal value. The allusion here is to Jeremiah viii.22: "Is there no balm in Gilead? is there no physician there?" The lover means to ask if there is any remedy for his sorrow, any consolation. Perhaps he means, "Is there any solace after death?" or "Is there any solace either in this world or the next?" 93. Aidenn: Eden, Paradise, from the Arabic form _Adn_; coined by Poe for the rhyme. 101. This line, Poe said in "The Philosophy of Composition," first betrays clearly the allegorical nature of the poem. 106. the lamp-light o'er him streaming. In answer to criticism on this line, Poe explained, "My conception was that of the bracket candelabrum affixed against the wall, high up above the door and bust, as is often seen in the English palaces, and even in some of the better houses of New York." 107, 108. In these last lines the allegory is fully revealed. EULALIE (Page 29) Published in 1845 with the subtitle, "A Song." 19. Astarte. See note on line 37 of "Ulalume," page 189. TO M.L. S----- (Page 30)