“Themes of ruin and apocalypse intensify in several poems of the 1840’s” and as one of the today most approved writers of that time, Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry is certainly worth being investigated in this regard.
In this paper I want to investigate the apocalyptic vision in Edgar Allan Poe’s poems “The Conqueror Worm”, published in 1843, and “The City in the Sea”, in its final version from the year 1845. I also have to mention that I will examine “The Conqueror Worm” as a poem on its own and not in connection with the tale Ligeia, into which the poem was later (1845) established. I have also decided to work with the five-stanza version of “The City in the Sea”, opposed to a widely spread opinion that the poem should only contain four stanzas .
For an analysis concerned with this topic, it has to be made clear what I understand when I use the term apocalyptic. Therefore the paper starts with an attempt to define the term as good as possible. Afterwards I am going to give a thorough analysis of “The Conqueror Worm” first, and then I will analyze “The City in the Sea”. The analyses are going to include interpretations according to the apocalyptic vision in the poems.
At the end of the paper I will give a short summary together with the most important outcomes of the analyses.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. What is apocalyptic? An attempt of a definition
- 3. Poe's apocalyptic vision in “The Conqueror Worm”
- 4. Poe's apocalyptic vision in “The City in the Sea”
- 5. Summary
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper investigates Edgar Allan Poe's apocalyptic vision in his poems "The Conqueror Worm" and "The City in the Sea." It begins by defining "apocalyptic," exploring both traditional theological and modern secular interpretations. The analysis then delves into each poem individually, examining how Poe utilizes imagery and structure to convey his apocalyptic vision. The paper concludes with a summary of the findings.
- Definition and interpretation of "apocalyptic."
- Analysis of Poe's use of imagery and symbolism.
- Examination of the poems' structure and form.
- Comparison of theological and secular interpretations of apocalypse in Poe's work.
- Exploration of themes of death, destruction, and meaninglessness.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis, outlining the paper's objective to examine the apocalyptic vision in Poe's "The Conqueror Worm" and "The City in the Sea." It clarifies the scope of the analysis, specifying that "The Conqueror Worm" will be considered independently of its later inclusion in the tale "Ligeia," and that the five-stanza version of "The City in the Sea" will be used. The chapter also briefly previews the methodology, indicating that the paper will begin with a definition of "apocalyptic" before moving into detailed analyses of the two poems, concluding with a summary of the key findings.
2. What is apocalyptic? An attempt of a definition: This chapter grapples with the multifaceted nature of the term "apocalyptic." It begins by referencing the Oxford English Dictionary's definition, highlighting the dual aspects of revelation and catastrophic destruction. The chapter then delves into the traditional theological understanding of apocalypse, emphasizing its connection to biblical prophecies, dualistic worldviews, and the concept of a divinely ordained destruction followed by a new creation. However, it acknowledges the secularization of the term in modern usage, where it often signifies widespread destruction and a sense of impending doom without necessarily invoking religious connotations. The chapter concludes by outlining the analytical approach, suggesting a nuanced consideration of both theological and secular interpretations when analyzing Poe's poems.
3. Poe's apocalyptic vision in “The Conqueror Worm”: This chapter provides a detailed analysis of "The Conqueror Worm," characterizing it as a nihilistic poem portraying the universe as a theater where death ultimately triumphs. The poem's structure, resembling a five-act tragedy, is discussed, along with the significance of its rhyme scheme and meter in conveying a sense of dread and impending doom. The chapter explores how the poem presents humanity as insignificant in the face of powerful, incomprehensible forces, leading to a feeling of meaninglessness and futility. The analysis draws connections between the poem's imagery and the themes of mortality and the transient nature of human existence.
Keywords
Edgar Allan Poe, apocalyptic vision, "The Conqueror Worm," "The City in the Sea," theological apocalypse, secular apocalypse, imagery, symbolism, literary analysis, death, destruction, nihilism, tragedy, structure, meter, rhyme scheme.
Edgar Allan Poe's Apocalyptic Vision: FAQs
What is the overall focus of this paper?
This paper analyzes Edgar Allan Poe's apocalyptic vision as presented in his poems "The Conqueror Worm" and "The City in the Sea." It examines how Poe uses imagery, structure, and symbolism to convey his unique perspective on apocalypse, considering both theological and secular interpretations.
What poems are analyzed in this paper?
The paper focuses specifically on two of Poe's poems: "The Conqueror Worm" and "The City in the Sea." The five-stanza version of "The City in the Sea" is used for the analysis, and "The Conqueror Worm" is analyzed independently of its later inclusion in the tale "Ligeia."
How is "apocalyptic" defined in this paper?
The paper explores the multifaceted definition of "apocalyptic," considering both traditional theological interpretations (linked to biblical prophecies, divine judgment, and new creation) and modern secular interpretations (emphasizing widespread destruction and impending doom). The analysis incorporates both perspectives in interpreting Poe's work.
What key themes are explored in the analysis of the poems?
The analysis explores themes of death, destruction, meaninglessness, mortality, and the transient nature of human existence. It also examines how Poe's use of imagery and symbolism contributes to the overall apocalyptic vision conveyed in the poems.
What aspects of Poe's poems are analyzed?
The analysis delves into various aspects of the poems, including their structure (e.g., the five-act tragedy structure in "The Conqueror Worm"), rhyme scheme, meter, and the use of specific imagery and symbolism. The significance of these elements in conveying the poems' apocalyptic message is examined.
What is the methodology used in this paper?
The paper begins with a definition of "apocalyptic," followed by individual analyses of "The Conqueror Worm" and "The City in the Sea." It then concludes with a summary of the key findings, drawing connections between the two poems and their respective interpretations of apocalypse.
What is the conclusion of the paper?
The paper concludes by summarizing its findings regarding Poe's apocalyptic vision in the selected poems. This summary integrates the individual analyses of both poems and their common themes. (Specific conclusions regarding the interpretation of Poe's vision are presented within the individual chapter summaries.)
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
The keywords include: Edgar Allan Poe, apocalyptic vision, "The Conqueror Worm," "The City in the Sea," theological apocalypse, secular apocalypse, imagery, symbolism, literary analysis, death, destruction, nihilism, tragedy, structure, meter, and rhyme scheme.
What is included in the provided document?
The document is a comprehensive language preview containing the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It provides a complete overview of the paper's content and analysis.
- Quote paper
- Nadine Esser (Author), 2009, Edgar Allan Poe’s Apocalyptic Vision in “The Conqueror Worm“ and “The City in the Sea“, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/156424
