Let us all pause and shed a tear for Edgar Poe -- not, as most of us might suppose, because he led a troubled, brief life, but because this life has so often eclipsed the merit and significance of his work. Poe, it appears, will always be with us, peering over our shoulder as we read, and despite his charms, this is far from an ideal situation. The writings of an author must speak for themselves across the gulf of time, and in an ideal world, the author does not, indeed cannot accompany them, save in that subtlest of survivals, the scattered cells of his or her words.
While Poe is best remembered for his macabre tales -- "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Black Cat," or "The Masque of the Red Death," in his time he was noted for his tales of the sea, of explorers and adventurers who risked -- and sometimes lost -- their lives on hazardous voyages that brought them to fantastical countries. Such tales were a stock-in-trade of his day, with those of Sinbad the Sailor the best-known -- but one could easily think of modern science-fiction serials, such as Star Trek, as the inheritors of this tradition.
Poe's unique gift was to blend such fanciful adventures with elements of extraordinary realism, giving a fresh sense of the limited power of humans in the face of the sublime forces of the oceans. The effect was very carefully obtained. Poe had devoured any number of nautical narratives, and always had some navigational manuals, along with the Encyclopedia Brittanica, close at hand. He had not, it is true, the benefit of very much experience at sea -- but he was master and commander of the words, the perfect mixture of nautical terminology and first-person terror, that could make his readers shiver in their imaginary sea-boots.
"A Descent into the Maelstrom" was an early work, and opens innocently enough as a sort of travelogue: the reader is taken to the edge of a cliff, where a wizened old local is going to tell his tale of the sea below. And yet, as it develops, it turns into a horror story, one in which -- as with so many haunted houses -- the experience has driven its teller into old age overnight with fear, escape though he did. It's a perfect little diversion, ending with an almost too-practical solution, rather like a problem in mechanics.
"MS. Found in a Bottle" take Poe's dark romance with the sea to a far deeper and more disturbing level. Published in 1833, it earned him a fifty-dollar prize -- then a considerable sum -- from the Baltimore Saturday Visiter. In it, Poe makes use of a device he would come to rely on frequently: a first-person narrator who is an absolute realist, one to whom "the reveries of fancy have been a dead letter and a nullity." For what better person to tell us of wonders beyond our wildest imaginings? The story draws from other myths and tales as well, such as that of the "Flying Dutchman" (which goes back way before Disney) and Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner. And yet, in a way that's difficult to entirely pin down, it goes far beyond these tales by evoking the uncanny scene of a ship filled with ancient navigators, all indifferent to their guest, plummeting to their doom with peculiar looks of joy upon their faces.
"MS. Found in a Bottle" take Poe's dark romance with the sea to a far deeper and more disturbing level. Published in 1833, it earned him a fifty-dollar prize -- then a considerable sum -- from the Baltimore Saturday Visiter. In it, Poe makes use of a device he would come to rely on frequently: a first-person narrator who is an absolute realist, one to whom "the reveries of fancy have been a dead letter and a nullity." For what better person to tell us of wonders beyond our wildest imaginings? The story draws from other myths and tales as well, such as that of the "Flying Dutchman" (which goes back way before Disney) and Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner. And yet, in a way that's difficult to entirely pin down, it goes far beyond these tales by evoking the uncanny scene of a ship filled with ancient navigators, all indifferent to their guest, plummeting to their doom with peculiar looks of joy upon their faces.
I chose to write about the short story "A Descent into the Maelstrom". The theme of survival in Edgar Allan Poe's "A Descent into the Maelstrom" highlights how quick thinking and using one's minds can help overcome danger. The main character faces a huge whirlpool, and instead of panicking, he carefully observes the surroundings and comes up with a plan. His ability to stay calm and use his intelligence is crucial for escaping the deadly situation. The story teaches us that even when things get really tough, keeping a clear head and making smart decisions can make all the difference in surviving challenging circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThough both stories by Edgar Allan Poe are centered around a similar idea and setting, I wanted to talk about "MS. in a Bottle". The supernatural elements of this story made it really enjoyable for me. Throughout the story, the crew members on the ship display unusual behavior, almost as if they were soulless. "The crew glide to and fro like the ghosts of buried centuries, their eyes have an eager and uneasy meaning, and when their figures fall athwart my path in the wild glare of the battle-latterns..", Poe writes. On top of that, the location of the ship seems to be in the middle of nowhere at sea, which also adds to the unknown mystery. The whirlpool at the end reminded me of how black holes are in space, since both act as giant vacuums. The way Poe briefly described the whirlpool leaves the reader to believe that it was some "freak of nature", and rightfully so, as in the end, the whirlpool engulfs the ship and everything around it. In the stories' title, "MS." is short for manuscript. This leads me to think that this tale of the ship has a hidden narrative within the story itself. For the reader, it allows them to come up with their own depiction of what the story might truly be about.
ReplyDeleteLexianna Santos:
ReplyDeleteI chose to write about the short tale “Ms. Found in a Bottle” by Edgar Allan Poe which tells a tale about an adventure at sea that follows the narrator who boards a ship heading toward the South Pole. As the ship sails the narrator goes through a wide rage of supernatural experiences. The narrator describes the ship as being caught in a massive whirlpool. The crew struggles to survive as the ship is drawn into the deepest part of the whirlpool. Eventually, the ship reaches a mysterious island where the crew encounters strange occurrences. The tale ends with the ship being pulled into the massive whirlpool, and left the readers on a cliffhanger of not knowing what happened to the narrator. After reading this tale I was able to find several themes in which I will be discussing. This would be the unnerving sense of isolation that has taken place in a mysterious sea which then emphasizes the isolation of the narrator. As the ship is drawn into a strange new world, the theme of isolation becomes even more apparent which then helps give a supernatural atmosphere. The theme I found to be interesting would be the inevitable fate of the ship and narrator. Throughout the tale the fate almost felt easily predictable as the narrator and the ship seem destined for an unknown and disastrous fate.
While both short stories by Poe are somewhat similar I chose to write about "MS. In a bottle". The overarching theme of this story is quite gloomy. The unnamed character avoids death when his boat capsizes the first time. Around the South Pole he is momentarily saved and is able to stow away on another ship. Unfortunately his death is inevitable and this galleon heads straight for a whirlpool. The ship goes down and it leaves behind only the message in a bottle. This story is a classic poe horror sea story that leaves the reader questioning what the intention of the of the short story really is.
ReplyDeleteIt is agreeable that Poe's stories are meant to be analyzed and looked into deeper, to see the true, applicable value and morals of his stories in real life. On his work, "The Pit and the Pendulum, a lot of the characters and events are representations of what can really happen in real life.
Deletekellie kelleter
ReplyDeleteI decided to pick the short story "MS. found in the bottle" to write about. This is because, during the reading, I found it to be very suspenseful on what was going to happen to the narrator next! when the second hurricane hit and the narrator found himself coming across another ship that were filled with ghost, or almost lifeless crew members, I thought one member was going to notice him but instead none did the whole story! During the reading it seemed as if the narrator knew of his death but was trying to be hopeful to discover something new along his travels. However, knowing his fate I liked how he wrote down all his messages or challenges he went through for someone else to know what else was out in the world.
Jodi Fowler
ReplyDeleteIn both stories Poe delves into the psychological and physical horrors he faced as he grapples with the overwhelming forces of nature. In "A descent into the Maelstrom", the vivid descriptions of the swirling maelstrom create a palpable sense of dread and chaos. "Ms Found in a Bottle", explores the maritime mystery and existential terror as he encounters a surreal otherworldly ship. The use of atmospheric settings and theme of the unknown contributes to the unsettling ambiance pervades both stories, leaves his readers haunted by worlds he masterfully crafts.
I started to wonder, while reading Ms Found in a bottle, if he was already dead from the first storm hit before he saw the other ship and he didn't know since the other workers on the ship didn't seem to notice him, but he kept on living the experience till that ship went down as well.
Madison Hutchins
ReplyDeleteI also thought while reading MS Found in a Bottle that the man was already dead after the first storm. To me, it seems almost impossible for him to have survived as the other men on board did not. It is quite peculiar for the man to not be noticed by the men on board the new ship. They were described as also being unusual and soulless in appearance which adds an uncanny feeling. Perhaps, this man's lost soul is experiencing the inevitable doom of this second vessel. Why do you think he added a cliffhanger to the end, however? Possibly the soul of the man did not want to undergo another deathly encounter, so the story ends before more misery.
This post is supposed to be replying to Jodi Fowler's response
DeleteMadison, good thoughts -- there is always, in a macabre story such as this, an "already dead" reveal (The Sixth Sense is the most famous example). But think also of the introduction, in which the narrator tells us that he is a man of absolutely no imagination -- so how else could he have seen what he has seen? As to the cliffhanger, Poe ended a number of his "sea tales" this way; the lack of a resolution somehow adds to the "uncanny" feeling, I think.
DeleteHaving read both stories by Edgar Allan Poe, I have chosen to expand on the story, "A Descent into the Maelstrom". This story is centered around a real life, non-fiction phenomena into fiction. This story talks about how an event, grave and dangerous enough to make a person's black hair turn white. The man tells the tale, claiming that he survived a phenomena that took lives of men, but due to his quick thinking, calmness, and cleverness, he was able to survive the unsurvivable. His quick thinking and observation gave him the opportunity to escape the Maelstrom and live to tell the tale. I would like to think that the Maelstrom represent something that humankind cannot control, that this is nature and no one can predict or stop it from happening. The man in the story, knew that this is something out of his control, but instead of stopping the phenomena, he found a way to work around the phenomena and save himself from death. His calmness, quick thinking and observation of his environment gave him the opportunity to survive, just like in real life, if we stay calm and collected, we will find a solution.
ReplyDelete- Ian Cabrera
DeleteI have chosen to write about A Descent into the Maelström. In this story, a fisherman is talking about a trip he went on with his brothers on their ship. They always chose to fish in the more dangerous waters because they always got more out of it. However, a massive hurricane hit on this specific trip while they were already in dangerous waters. As the sea continues to get worse they get pushed towards the Maelström which is a huge whirlpool. As they are being pushed through the waters they realize that they are not only in a storm but at the whirlpool at its worst time. As this happens something I find interesting is that the fisherman says that at this point he wonders what it would be like to explore the depths of the Maelström and that he wishes to. He also thought it would be a great honor to die this way. However, he ends up continuing to hold on. After a long time of holding on he comes up with a plan. He tries to tell his brother the plan but he refuses to let go. So the fisherman escapes and gets picked up by another boat that he says were other fishermen that he sees every day. However, none of them recognize him. His hair is now white and he appears much older. He says the trip was only one day but how does he look completely different? Also, no one believed his story and yet he expects the narrator to which I also find interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe story I would like to discuss is A Descent into the Maelstrom. I found it interesting how the characters were portrayed as both a younger man and an older man, to show how the journey was an aging experience. I think the story symbolizes how the journey of life leads to death. We often fear death, due to the fact it is the ultimate unknown, but can't help but question what happens once we reach it. The man was terrified when facing the whirlpool, but was also fascinated and curious. I also think it shows how determined we are to survive in times of danger, and how we should try to escape dangerous situations.
ReplyDeleteI have chosen to delve into the narrative of "Ms. Found in a Bottle" by Edgar Allan Poe, a short tale that unfolds an intriguing adventure at sea. The story revolves around the narrator who embarks on a ship journey bound for the South Pole. Amidst the oceanic voyage, the narrator undergoes many supernatural experiences that grip the imagination. Portraying the ship's entanglement in a colossal whirlpool, an event that sets the stage for a harrowing struggle for survival among the crew. The relentless pull of the whirlpool drags the vessel into its abyss, culminating in the emergence of a mysterious island. This enigmatic locale becomes the backdrop for a series of eerie encounters that further intensify the supernatural ambiance of the tale. The narrative takes an ominous turn as the ship hurtles towards an unknown destiny, leaving readers on the precipice of suspense. The unresolved fate of the narrator adds a layer of mystique to the narrative, compelling readers to grapple with the unanswered questions lingering in the aftermath of the whirlpool's ominous pull. Several themes emerge, isolation permeating the mysterious sea and, consequently, impacting the narrator. As the ship navigates through uncharted waters and plunges into a realm of the unknown, the theme of isolation deepens, fostering an otherworldly atmosphere that adds to the story's supernatural allure. The theme of the inevitable fate of both the ship and the narrator proves compelling. A palpable sense of foreboding surrounds the characters, almost foreshadowing an inescapable and calamitous destiny. This theme of inexorable fate adds a layer of anticipation and tension to the narrative, heightening the overall sense of dread and curiosity that defines Poe's masterful storytelling.
ReplyDelete- Briana Hargis
DeleteMia JeanLouis
ReplyDeletePoe explores his corrupt relationship with the water in further detail in "MS. Found in a Bottle." The first-person narrator, an individual who is unaffected by fantastical dreams, tells a gripping tale of the uncanny happenings. The story is inspired by myths like as Coleridge's "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and the "Flying Dutchman," but Poe's singular vision gives it a haunting quality, portraying the scene involving medieval sailors oblivious to their oncoming tragedy. These stories highlight Poe's particular style, which combines aspects of horror, realism, and the sea to produce stories that stick in the minds of the audience.
Joe Johnson: "MS. Found in a Bottle" by Edgar Allan Poe offers a shocking exploration of humanity's insignificance in the face of the overwhelming power of nature. Through the narrator's account of a doomed voyage caught in a tumultuous storm and ultimately swallowed by a massive maelstrom, the story delves into themes of existential dread, isolation, and the uncertainty of fate. Poe's narrative emphasizes the sheer helplessness of the crew as they confront the powerful forces of the sea, highlighting the fragility of human existence against the vastness of the natural world. The ending further underscores the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of mortality, leaving questions of existence and the power of storytelling even in the darkest of moments.
ReplyDeletecarina marques
ReplyDeleteI have chosen to expand on the story A descendent into the Maelstrom, The story shows the inevitable of life which is death. The story is about a man and his brothers who chose to fish in the more dangerous waters for a better fishing outcome and end up having to battle a massive hurricane. Due to staying calm, quick thinking, and problem solving skills he survives the impossible, instead of giving up or trying to avoid the problem at hand he put his best foot forward and because of that he was able to share his experience.
Poe uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of the supernatural. When the narrator sees the old ship, he describes it as unusual and ominous: "Her huge hull was of a deep dingy black, unrelieved by any of the customary carvings of a ship." This description suggests something otherworldly. Additionally, the narrator's reaction to the crew is filled with fear and wonder: "I cannot express the wild, strange feelings with which I was inspired by the gaunt and ghastly appearance of the crew." These quotes highlight the mix of real and supernatural elements in the story.
ReplyDelete- Franz Eliasson
The main character in Edgar Allan Poe's "A Descent into the Maelstrom" shows how thinking quickly and using intelligence can be crucial during challenging situations. When faced with a big whirlpool, instead of becoming scared, he carefully observes his surroundings and devises a plan. His ability to stay calm and use his brain is crucial for escaping the dangerous situation. The narrative imparts the valuable lesson that, in the face of adversity, maintaining a calm demeanor and making intelligent choices can significantly impact one's ability to survive daunting circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI thought the story " A Descent into the Mlaestorm " really emphaizsed this idea that you are supposed to overcome your fear / challenges in order to reach your goals. I saw this when the character was nervous but he still jumpoed from the mountian that was shaking and this showed that he was determined to keep his journey going in order to succeed in his mission/ goal. I also thought the whirlpool was a major challenge but he wasn't phased by its harsh condiitions and was able to succesfully escape it.
ReplyDeleteI chose to write about MS: found in a bottle. The story was about a sea voyage that turns into a cosmic horror. It develops in an eerie atmosphere and then the ship goes into a massive whirlpool. It reminded of pirates of the Caribbean when the ship is going into the whirlpool. It had me at the edge because what is going to happened. It symbolized the narrators journey and how ones can be faced with vast uncontrollable forces. There was a combination of terror, impending doom, and mystery.
ReplyDeleteI choose to write about the story MS: Found in a Bottle. I liked how Edgar Allen Poe started off the story with a story of hope and escaping death. As the story goes on Poe leaves you pondering about what is going to happen next. I really like how he ends the story in typical Poe fashion with gloom and terror. For me this story was amazing it kept me intrigued and also was a good read.
ReplyDelete-Nataly Santos
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the stories of Edgar Allan Poe, I have chosen to write about "MS. Found in a bottle". The suspenseful atmosphere stood out to me and it seems that the theme that Poe explores is the fear of the unknown and the power of nature. Poe uses very intricate words to describe events which contributes to the overall atmosphere and suspense of the story. One moment that stood out to me was the nightmarish event where the waves crashed over the ship taking everyone but the narrator and an old Swede. This moment shows the sheer force of nature to wipe out an entire crew. The survival of them symbolizes the randomness of fate as we never know when our time is up. This story gave a horrifying look into the dangers of life at sea, and it shows how powerful nature is and how mysterious life can be.
Elizabeth Rubenstein
ReplyDeleteI choose to write about MS Found in a Bottle. This story follows the narrator's journey and the peculiar and harrowing circumstances that occur. There is a lot of suspense, gloom, and terror/horror while you read through it. Alongside the details, he used them to describe what the narrator was seeing. My favorite line is, "My notice was soon afterwards attracted by the dusky red appearance of the moon, and the peculiar character of the sea." It is beautiful and detailed and has an overall feel of the unknown, which adds to the story. It can help you picture how the narrator was at sea and the eery feelings surrounding what would happen. There are a lot of unknowns in the story, like how he survives, why no one notices him, and what is written on the MS. The story ends with the whirlpool showing fear and horror, and finally, the narrator faces the end after this journey south.
Allison Quinn:
ReplyDeleteI decided to write about the story A Descent into the Maelström, I think the idea of this man surviving such a frightful encounter, but then continuing to be near it intrigues me. I wonder his motivations for doing something like that especially cause it had such a physical toll on his body. I wonder if it’s grief for his brother, to warn others, or possibly to get validation in his story to confirm to himself the story truly happened. Possibly a mix of all three. I loved the description of the whole scene happening also the touch of a rainbow being in the maelström was so interesting to me, due to the fact it’s seen as a miracle and something beautiful. It was there even during a horrific tragedy. What happened to the story teller reminds me of a piece of media I’ve seen before, and I wonder if the author took inspiration from Poe, or merely a coincidence. His experiences a tragedy that’s out of his control, he’s overpower by a force of nature, and loses many of his companions. Within a day his jet black hair turns white, and his body is more frail then it ever was before. I think the story was beautifully written though, and was a fantastic horror, and I love the fact by all accounts especially during that time besides the mans turning white it’s realistic. It’s a fantastical story now because of science, and technology. However, during that time it isn’t unbelievers that such a thing could happen to someone.
Amanda Viveiros
ReplyDeleteI chose MS. Found in a Bottle by Edgar A Poe. I chose to write about this story because it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The narrator endure a horrific storm some would say supernatural. The ship encounters huge storms that puts everyone
on board in extreme danger. Somehow the ships escapes the whirlpool, although the weather conditions do not suppress and the ship continues the sail through windy terrible conditions. In the end though the ship gets stuck in the whirlpool and therefore taken down.
My choice of topic was MS: discovered in a bottle. The narrative concerned a voyage at sea that devolves into a cosmic terror. The ship enters a huge vortex as it develops in a spooky environment. When the ship entered the vortex, it brought to mind Pirates of the Caribbean. I was on the verge of tears because of what was about to happen. It represented the narrator's journey and the ways in which people can encounter powerful, uncontrollable forces. There was mystery, dread, and a sense of approaching disaster.
ReplyDelete