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The Big Read is here! Celebrate Edgar Allan Poe's 200th birthday with events and discussions in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park.
Click on dates for events.
Monday, September 28
Film Series: The Murders in the Rue Morgue
2pm at Oak Park Public Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak ParkBela Lugosi is a mad doctor whose sideshow is a front for bizarre experiments that involve his kidnapping beautiful young women. 1932, 61 minutes, directed by Robert Florey. Film historian Doug Deuchler hosts a total of six Poe films in a series titled "Bela, Boris, and Vincent: Poe's Tales on Screen" from September 28 through November 2. The six films are not meticulous renditions or carefully rendered versions of the Poe works, because that never happened, according to Deuchler. "Hollywood always took liberties. It will be great fun to note the differences."
"Feeding Poe's Muse - The Secret Obsessions of Edgar Allan Poe"
7pm at Oak Park Public Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak ParkAuthor Michael Largo will kick off The Big Read with a presentation titled "Feeding Poe's Muse - The Secret Obsessions of Edgar Allan Poe," on October 1. Largo's most recent book is "Genius & Heroin: The Illustrated Catalogue of Creativity, Obsession and Reckless Abandon through the Ages."
Art Exhibit "Poe: Nevermore 2009"
at Oak Park Public Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak ParkLocal artists celebrate the 200th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe. See Poe portrayed as a puppet surrounded by ravens, a painting of a raven munching on a quote, a photograph of The Masque of the Red Death, and much more.
The participating adult artists are: Carole Bergstraesser, Audrey Brown, DECO (Bernadette Freedman), Robert Dicke, Ann Farrell, Steve Fisher, Jonathan Franklin, Beth Elishevah Granton, Sarah Koten, Marcy Kubat, Robert Kwas, Julia Loebel, Marcia Palazzolo, Greg Phillips, R.M. Proce, Ken Reif, Marlene Russum Scott, Janet Talbot, Nina Ulana, and Vashti Varnardo.
In addition to the Art Gallery exhibit, teen volunteers will display Poe-inspired art in the glassed display cases on the Second Floor and Third Floor of the Main Library.
Friday, October 2Tween/Teen Poe Party
5:30pm at River Forest Public Library at 735 Lathrop Avenue in River ForestGames, prizes, creepy stories, snacks, and more for kids and teens in grades 6 and up. Space is limited, call 708-366-5205 ext. 316 to sign up.
Reception for Artists in Art Gallery
2pm to 4pm at Oak Park Public Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak ParkLocal artists present "Poe: Nevermore 2009" in celebration of the 200th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe. See Poe portrayed as a puppet surrounded by ravens, a painting of a raven munching on a quote, a photograph of The Masque of the Red Death, and much more.
Film Series: The Black Cat
2pm at Oak Park Public Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak ParkA spooky thriller that portrays a battle of wills between vengeful Bela Lugosi and devil-worshipper Boris Karloff. 1934, 65 minutes, directed by Edgar G. Ulmer. Film historian Doug Deuchler hosts a total of six Poe films in a series titled "Bela, Boris, and Vincent: Poe's Tales on Screen" from September 28 through November 2. The six films are not meticulous renditions or carefully rendered versions of the Poe works, because that never happened, according to Deuchler. "Hollywood always took liberties. It will be great fun to note the differences."
Film: Tales of Terror
6:30pm Maze Branch Library at 845 Gunderson Avenue in Oak ParkCome see one of Edgar Allan Poe's work adapted for the screen in one of the most unusual incarnations ever. Tales of Terror (1962) is directed by Roger Corman. Bring your own popcorn.
Discussion: "Fall of the House of Usher"
7pm at Forest Park Public Library at 7555 Jackson Boulevard in Forest ParkJoin the discussion of this short story by Edgar Allan Poe.
Dramatic Reading: "The Tell-Tale Heart"
7pm Anatomy Lab, Parmer Hall, Dominican University at 7900 West Division Street in River Forest
Nationally-known storyteller Janice Del Negro will present a dramatic reading of Poe's classic "The Tell-Tale Heart" in the perfect setting - Dominican University's anatomy lab. Following the story, Dr. Louis Scannicchio, Dominican's clinical professor of biology, will discuss how the use of cadavers is enhancing the university's anatomy program.
Janice Del Negro is an assistant professor in Dominican University's Graduate School of Library and Information Science. She has been a featured storyteller at storytelling festivals throughout the country. Her second book, Willa and the Wind (2005) was an ALA Notable Book and received the James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature. She chaired the 2007 Caldecott Award Committee.
Discussion: "The Imp of the Perverse"
7:30pm at River Forest Public Library at 735 Lathrop Avenue in River ForestJoin the discussion of this short story by Edgar Allan Poe.
Fireside Chat: "The Black Cat"
7pm at River Forest Public Library at 735 Lathrop Avenue in River ForestJoin the discussion of this short story by Edgar Allan Poe. Copies available from the River Forest Public Library Reference Desk.
CSI River Forest for Teens
1pm to 3pm at River Forest Public Library at 735 Lathrop Avenue in River ForestLearn modern forensics and crime solving techniques. Space is limited, call 708-366-5205 ext. 316 to sign up.
Film Series: The Raven
2pm at Oak Park Public Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak ParkBela Lugosi is a Poe-obsessed plastic surgeon with a penchant for torture assisted by criminal Boris Karloff. 1935, 61 minutes, directed by Lew Landers. Film historian Doug Deuchler hosts a total of six Poe films in a series titled "Bela, Boris, and Vincent: Poe's Tales on Screen" from September 28 through November 2. The six films are not meticulous renditions or carefully rendered versions of the Poe works, because that never happened, according to Deuchler. "Hollywood always took liberties. It will be great fun to note the differences."
Book Discussion: Poe + Poetry
1:30pm at River Forest Public Library at 735 Lathrop Avenue in River ForestDiscuss selected Poe poems and stories. Readings available from the River Forest Pubilc Library Circulations Desk starting September 10.
Discussion: Poe Stories
7:30pm Maze Branch Library at 845 Gunderson Avenue in Oak ParkJoin the discussion of three short stories by Edgar Allan Poe - The Cask of Amontillado, Masque of the Red Death, and William Wilson. Readings will be available at the Maze Branch Library.
Film: "The Pit and the Pendulum"
7pm at Forest Park Public Library at 7555 Jackson Boulevard in Forest ParkWatch this film about Edgar Allan Poe.
Discussion: The Man Who Was Poe by Avi
5pm to 6pm at River Forest Public Library at 735 Lathrop Avenue in River ForestStudents in grades 4 through 6 are invited to discuss companion book for younger readers. Call 708-366-5202 ext. 312 to sign up.
Teen Coffeehouse
7pm to 9pm at Oak Park Public Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak ParkTeen Coffeehouse brings together area teens to showcase their skills on our stage. Tonight's special theme will be spooky! Bring poetry, dance, hip-hop, music, comedy-whatever you do! Food and drinks are always provided. No registration is required. For more information contact Adult and Teen Services Librarian Alan at or 708-452-3451. Coffeehouses are sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library.
Poe After Dark
7:30pm at River Forest Public Library at 735 Lathrop Avenue in River ForestLocal writers and actors interpret Poe. Space in limited, call 708-366-5205 ext. 316 to sign up.
Strangers Among Us
1pm at Forest Home Cemetery at 863 Des Plaines Avenue in Forest Park
Druids, Gypsies, Chicago cigar rollers, and a saber troubadour are just a few of these "strangers" you'll meet through costumed interpreters during this two-hour walking tour. Admission is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Tours begin at 1pm. Last tour departs at 2pm. Rain date is Sunday, October 25. Presented by the Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest.
Film Series: The Fall of the House of Usher
2pm at Oak Park Public Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak ParkVincent Price is a man set on stopping his family's heritage of insanity. 1960, 79 minutes, directed by Roger Corman. Film historian Doug Deuchler hosts a total of six Poe films in a series titled "Bela, Boris, and Vincent: Poe's Tales on Screen" from September 28 through November 2. The six films are not meticulous renditions or carefully rendered versions of the Poe works, because that never happened, according to Deuchler. "Hollywood always took liberties. It will be great fun to note the differences."
Presentation of Poe's Life and Work
4pm at Oak Park Arms at 409 S. Oak Park Avenue in Oak ParkLibrarian Irene Balks presents.
Presentation of Poe's Life and Work
1 pm Holley Court Terrace at 1111 Ontario Street in Oak ParkLibrarian Irene Balks presents.
Film: War Gods of the Deep
6:30pm Maze Branch Library at 845 Gunderson Avenue in Oak ParkCome see one of Edgar Allan Poe's work adapted for the screen in one of the most unusual incarnations ever. War Gods of the Deep (1965) is directed by Jacques Tourneur. Bring your own popcorn.
Poe on the Road
7pm at Century & Sleuths Bookstore at 7419 W. Madison Street in Forest ParkCelebrate the man who made Mystery, Terror, and Horror in Fiction what it is today! Century & Sleuths owner August Aleksy leads a discussion with mystery authors Robert Goldsborough (A President in Peril), Luisa Buehler (The Innkeeper), Michael Black (Hostile Takeover) and Mary Welk (Rune Stone Murders). Costumes are encouraged! You may even get a taste of from a Cask of Amontillado from Forest Park's House Red.
"Poe in Person"
7:30pm at Unity Temple at 875 Lake Street in Oak ParkActor David Keltz presents. Learn more about Edgar Allan Poe's own tragic life and see this acclaimed actor perform some of Poe's greatest hits - "The Black Cat," "The Cask of Amontillado," "To Helen," "Annabel Lee" and "The Raven" in Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Children's Poe-try Slam
3pm at Oak Park Public Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak ParkBring a favorite poem to recite in this celebration of poetry and Poe for children 5 to 11.
Film Series: The Pit and the Pendulum
2pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Oak Park Public Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak ParkThe Pit and the Pendulum was filmed in 1961. Film historian Doug Deuchler hosts a total of six Poe films in a series titled "Bela, Boris, and Vincent: Poe's Tales on Screen" from September 28 through November 2. The six films are not meticulous renditions or carefully rendered versions of the Poe works, because that never happened, according to Deuchler. "Hollywood always took liberties. It will be great fun to note the differences."
"Edgar Allan Poe in His Time"
7pm Parmer Hall 108, Dominican University at 7900 West Division Street in River Forest
Many readers think of Poe as bizarre, otherworldly, even freakish. However, while Poe was certainly unique, he was also very much a man of his time. In this talk by Daniel Anderson, we will examine some of the overlooked aspects of Poe: his politics, his interest in creating and defining distinctly American literature, and his Southern sensibilities. We will look at some of Poe's widely read works, such as "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "The Gold Bug," along with some lesser-known stories and published letters.
Daniel Anderson is a visiting assistant professor of English at Dominican University, where he teaches courses in composition and American literature, including the literature of the American South. He grew up on the northwest side of Chicago and studied journalism at Northwestern University. After working as a reporter and editor for newspapers in Kentucky, Virginia, and Iowa, he took graduate degrees in English at Boston College and the University of Minnesota. He lives in Oak Park.
Discussion: "The Murders in the Rue Morgue"
7pm Room 101 at Oak Park Village Hall at 123 Madison Street in Oak ParkLed by Oak Park Police Chief Ricky Tanksley.
Film: Spirits of the Dead
6:30pm Maze Branch Library at 845 Gunderson Avenue in Oak ParkCome see one of Edgar Allan Poe's work adapted for the screen in one of the most unusual incarnations ever. Spirits of the Dead (1969) is directed by Roger Vadim, Louis Malle, and Federico Fellini. Bring your own popcorn.
"Alfred Hitchcock - Master of Suspense"
7pm to 9pm at River Forest Public Library at 735 Lathrop Avenue in River ForestFilm historian and author Raymond Benson presents.
Monster Mash Preschool Dance Party
3pm at Oak Park Public Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak ParkHigh-energy program for kids 2 to 5 and their caregivers.
Wine & Sherry Tasting with Poe Inspired Spirits
6pm to 9pm at House Red at 7403 W. Madison Street in Forest ParkEdgar Allan Poe's short story "The Cask of Amontillado" features this variety of sherry, named for the Montilla region of Spain. $10 tasting fee! Enjoy entertainment by pianist Boisee Queen for free.
Discussion: "The Pit and the Pendulum"
3pm at Forest Home Cemetery at 863 Des Plaines Avenue in Forest Park
meet at main gateJoin the discussion of this short story by Edgar Allan Poe led by Susan Ruffolo of the Oak Park Public Library. Copies available after September 30 at the Oak Park Public Library.
Monday, November 2
Film Series: The Masque of the Red Death
2pm Veterans Room, Second Floor, Oak Park Public Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak ParkVincent Price plays the amoral Prince Prospero who hosts an elegant ball for his sadistic friends while a plague ravages the land. 1964, 90 minutes, directed by Roger Corman. Film historian Doug Deuchler hosts a total of six Poe films in a series titled "Bela, Boris, and Vincent: Poe's Tales on Screen" from September 28 through November 2. The six films are not meticulous renditions or carefully rendered versions of the Poe works, because that never happened, according to Deuchler. "Hollywood always took liberties. It will be great fun to note the differences."
Monday,
October 26
Great Raven Raffle - Winner Chosen October 29
The
giant, hand-crafted raven which
has promoted the NEA Big Read celebration of Edgar Allan Poe and greeted
patrons at the Oak Park Public Library throughout
October needs a new home.
The crafters of the raven - librarian/artist Jeanne Friedell, along with staffers Irene Balks and Debby Preiser - have decided to host The Great Raven Drawing now through Thursday, October 29. Raffle tickets are $5 each; six tickets for $25. Proceeds will go to the fund established by the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library at the Community Foundation of Oak Park & River Forest. This endowment fund supports special projects of the Oak Park Public Library.
Tickets may be purchased beginning Monday, October 19, at Circulation Desk of the Main Library, 834 Lake Street, in Oak Park. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Maze Branch Library, 845 Gunderson, and the Dole Branch Library, 245 Augusta, in Oak Park. The drawing will be held on Thursday, October 29, at 4 pm in the Lobby of the Main Library.
The six-foot-long raven will be delivered to the winner in Oak Park area on Friday, October 30 - just in time for Halloween celebrations. For more information, call Debby Preiser at (708) 697-6915.
"Bela, Boris, and Vincent: Poe's Tales on Screen" begins
September 28
Film historian Doug Deuchler will host six Poe films in a series titled "Bela, Boris, and Vincent: Poe's Tales on Screen" beginning September 28 through November 2 at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake Street, in Oak Park. The films which will be screened on Monday afternoons at 2pm will be introduced by Deuchler. These events, which are free and open to the public, are part of The Big Read celebrating the 200th anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe's birth in 1809.
Doug Deuchler has a great reputation in Oak Park for hosting not only popular film series, but also well-informed discussions which follow each film. "The first three are landmark horror classics from Universal Studios that show the strong influence of German silent films and feature Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff - perennial favorites in the genre," explains Deuchler.
"The last three films are Roger Corman features - of the "B Movie" sort but always enormously popular in the '60s and today represent solid filmmaking on a budget. All three films star the immortal Vincent Price at his creepy best. All six are not meticulous renditions or carefully rendered versions of the Poe works, because that never happened, according to Deuchler. "Hollywood always took liberties. It will be great fun to note the differences."
The schedule for "Bela, Boris and Vincent: Poe's Tales on Screen" is as follows:
Monday, September 28, at 2pm: The Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932)
Bela Lugosi is a mad doctor whose sideshow is a front for bizarre experiments that involve his kidnapping beautiful young women. 61 minutes, directed by Robert Florey.Monday, October 5, at 2pm: The Black Cat (1934)
A spooky thriller that portrays a battle of wills between vengeful Bela Lugosi and devil-worshipper Boris Karloff. 65 minutes, directed by Edgar G. Ulmer.
Monday, October 12, at 2pm: The Raven (1935)
Bela Lugosi is a Poe-obsessed plastic surgeon with a penchant for torture assisted by criminal Boris Karloff. 61 minutes, directed by Lew Landers.
Monday, October 19, at 2pm: The Fall of the House of Usher (1960)
Vincent Price is a man set on stopping his family's heritage of insanity. 79 minutes, directed by Roger Corman.Monday, October 26, at 2pm: The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)
Monday, November 2, at 2pm: The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
Vincent Price plays the amoral Prince Prospero who hosts an elegant ball for his sadistic friends while a plague ravages the land. 90 minutes, directed by Roger Corman.
The River Forest Public Library and
Forest Park Public Library will also
host film screenings and discussions. Films will also be shown at the
Maze Branch Library in Oak Park.
Calling All Artists: Edgar Allan Poe Art Exhibit
The Oak Park Public Library will join with the River Forest Public Library, Forest Park Public Library, Dominican University, Concordia University, Oak Park Art League, and the Oak Park Area Arts Council to host a 200th birthday celebration of Edgar Allen Poe (1809-1849) in October 2009. This Big Read celebration will include a Poe art exhibit by local artists at the Oak Park Public Library, a Poe film festival, public readings and lectures.
Local artists who live in the tri-village area covered by the Oak Park Area Arts Council (Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park) or who are members of Oak Park Area Arts Council or the Oak Park Art League are invited to create art (painting, block print, multi-media, photograph) that celebrates the Poe theme. We will have limited space for three-dimensional artwork in display cases located throughout the Oak Park Public Library.
Application and instructions (PDF file)
For an application, contact Debby Preiser at 708-697-6915 or email dpreiser@oppl.org. Deadline for submission of applications will be Monday, August 3, 2009. Artists will be notified of acceptance by Friday, August 21. All final, framed artwork will be submitted to the Library by Friday, September 25, 2009. The show will open Thursday, October 1, 2009, with a reception for the artists on Saturday, October 3 from 2pm to 4pm in the Oak Park Public Library Art Gallery.
Artists are welcome to sell paintings/artwork - we will have a price list available for prospective buyers. If an artist sells work as a result of this special exhibit, the Oak Park Public Library requests a 20 percent commission. These proceeds will be added to the art funds for the Oak Park Public Library's permanent art collection.
For inspiration, the Oak Park Public Library has many titles (adult and children's books) on Edgar Allen Poe which are available for check-out. If you have questions about this invitation to artists, please contact Debby Preiser at 708-697-6915 or dpreiser@oppl.org.
Big Read Grant from NEA
The Oak Park Public Library, along
with the River Forest Public Library
and Forest Park Public Library, today
announced that they have received a $3,000 grant from the National
Endowment for the Arts to host The Big Read in Oak Park, River Forest
and Forest Park in October 2009. The Big Read in Oak Park, River Forest
and Forest Park will celebrate the 200th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)
with a Poe art exhibit, a variety of Poe films, dramatic interpretations
and discussions. Author Michael Largo will kick off The Big Read with
a presentation titled "Feeding Poe's Muse - The Secret Obsessions
of Edgar Allan Poe," on October 1 at the Oak
Park Public Library. The Big Read activities will take place throughout
the month of October.
"This Big Read represents a wonderful collaboration to inspire readers
of all ages to explore this man of mystery, Edgar Allan Poe," notes
Dee Brennan, director of the Oak Park Public
Library. "People all over the world have read or recited the
first line from Poe's most famous poem, "The Raven." Not everyone
realizes that Poe penned more than 60 short stories and created two literary
forms that are still enjoyed today - the detective story and the horror
thriller."
The Oak Park Public Library is one of 269 nonprofits nationwide -- including
arts, culture, and science organizations; libraries; and municipalities
-- to receive this grant to host a Big Read project between September
2009 and June 2010. The Big Read gives communities the opportunity to
come together to read, discuss, and celebrate one of 30 selections from
U.S. and world literature.
The
latest Big Read grantees represent 44 states, the District of Columbia,
and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Since the 2006, pilot program with ten participating
organizations, the NEA has given more
than 800 grants to support local Big Read projects. Debby Preiser, Community
Relations Coordinator for the Oak Park Public
Library, and Blaise Dierks, Adult Programs Librarian for the River
Forest Public Library, attended NEA
grant training orientation last week in Minneapolis. In 2007, the Oak
Park, River Forest and Forest Park public libraries joined with Dominican
and Concordia Universities as
well as the Oak Park
Area Arts Council and the Oak Park
Art League to host a Big Read of Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell
to Arms. These organizations are once again collaborating on The Big
Read of Poe poems and short stories.
"The Big Read highlights not only literature, but also what can
be accomplished in partnership," said NEA
Acting Chairman Patrice Walker Powell. "I'm grateful to IMLS,
Arts Midwest, and the many,
many nonprofits, local governments, and media outlets around the country
that have partnered with the NEA to
present hundreds of Big Read projects nationwide. We welcome our new community
partners to The Big Read family and look forward to continuing this transformative
dialogue between neighbors and across borders." Participating communities
also receive high-quality, free-of-charge educational materials to supplement
each title, including Reader's, Teacher's, and Audio Guides.
"The Institute is pleased to support The Big Read, which brings
communities together to enjoy literature in their public libraries,"
said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of the Institute
of Museum and Library Services, the NEA's
lead federal partner for The Big Read. "Libraries are community anchors
that serve as centers of engagement, literacy, and lifelong learning.
There is nothing better than to read a great book and share your delight
and insights with others."
The Big Read is an initiative of the National
Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of
American culture. The NEA presents The
Big Read in partnership with the Institute
of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts
Midwest. Support for The Big Read is provided by the W.K. Kellogg
Foundation. Transportation for The Big Read is provided by Ford.
For more information about The Big Read please visit www.neabigread.org.
The National Endowment for the Arts
is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts-both
new and established-bringing the arts to all Americans, and providing
leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent
agency of the federal government, the Arts Endowment is the nation's largest
annual funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including
rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. For more information, please
visit www.arts.gov.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services
is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries
and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries
and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute
works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations
to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation;
and support professional development. For more information, please visit
www.imls.gov.
Arts Midwest connects people throughout the Midwest and the world to meaningful arts opportunities, sharing creativity, knowledge, and understanding across boundaries. Arts Midwest connects the arts to audiences throughout the nine-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. One of six non-profit regional arts organizations in the United States, Arts Midwest's history spans more than 25 years. For more information, please visit www.artsmidwest.org.
Edgar Allan Poe turns 200 in 2009! He was born in 1809 and died in 1849.
Few writers have pioneered so many forms of escapism as Poe. His brilliance and originality led him to invent the modern detective story, perfect the horror tale, and craft many poems, including his greatest success, "The Raven." A hero of Dostoevsky, Baudelaire, Nabokov, Poe has never been entirely respectable to his critics: he was too eccentric and too popular among common readers.
Poe's life and death may have been as strange and tragic as any depicted in his tales, yet no author stays internationally popular for 150 years by accident. Edgar Allan Poe is one of the classic authors of American literature, and no small part of his artistic sleight of hand is that he appeals to readers from childhood to old age.
Portions of this text taken from the NEA's Reader's Guide.
Millions of people have read or recited the opening line from Poe's poem, "The Raven." But Poe also wrote more than 60 short stories and was the creator of two literary forms that readers enjoy today – the detective story and the horror thriller.
Without Poe, the literary arts of horror, adventure, detective, and science fiction, and, arguably, the short story itself, would have developed very differently. Throughout Poe's fiction, there runs an undercurrent of inwardness, an obsession with dark corners of the subconscious mind.
Excluding "The Raven," Poe's poems are mostly short lyric pieces—meditations on death or beautiful women or the death of beautiful women—almost always less than a page long. He believed that a poem should be readable in one sitting and objected to what he saw as the epic "mania" among such contemporaries as Longfellow, which he felt valued Truth and moral didacticism over the exaltation of Beauty.
Portions of this text taken from the NEA's Reader's Guide.
Search the Oak Park Public Library for stories and poems by Poe
1. Do the narrators from "The Black Cat" and "The Cask of Amontillado" deserve what they get? Do the characters around them? What might this say about Poe's view of the world?
2. In "The Fall of the House of Usher," why does Poe spend nearly two full pages on the lyrics to "The Haunted Palace," one of Roderick's "performances?" Do Poe's language and content change from one form to the other, or just the medium?
3. In "The Pit and the Pendulum," how does the narrator's clever idea of smearing food on the straps holding him down, so as to induce the hungry rats to chew him loose, anticipate the climactic maneuvers of heroes in suspense and action-adventure stories today?
4. "The Masque of the Red Death" was originally published as "The Mask of the Red Death." What is a "masque," and do you think the pun was intentional?
5. Are the narrators of "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "William Wilson" sane? Do you like the stories better if they're hallucinating, or if they aren't? Why?
6. Read Poe's essay "Philosophy of Composition," in which he details how he came to write "The Raven." Do you believe him? Why or why not?
7. Listen closely to the sounds of Poe's poems "Annabel Lee" and "The Raven." How does his use of sound influence your reading of the poems?
8. Poe's works are haunted by death. Sometimes even his speakers are dead. How does this affect the tone of his work? Does it add suspense or take away from it?
9. Poe often writes about the death of a beautiful woman. His own wife was ill for most of their marriage and died at a young age. How might this affect the emotional intensity of his writing?
Friends of the Oak Park Public Library
Friends of the River Forest Public Library
The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest
Unity Temple Restoration Foundation
The Carleton Hotel of Oak Park
Additional Sponsors
National Endowment for the Arts
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Oak Park Public Library
Deborah Preiser, 708-697-6915, dpreiser@oppl.org
