The Poe-loponnesian War
This week, as so often seems to be the case, is all about Poe.
Baltimore is proud to call Edgar one of its own, as so many cities up and down the East Coast do. Whether you're from New York, Boston, Richmond, Philadelphia or Charm City, you can recognize his great genius and marvel at his ability to remain fresh, even modern, 200 years later. It is no surprise then, that so many locales claim him.
We've touched on the subject of Edgar Allan Poe's final resting place many times in the past few months. But today, we bury (insert groans here) this discussion once and for all. Does the great writer's body belong in Baltimore, or Philly?
Poe belongs in Baltimore. And we've got the video to prove it:
Comments
I'm just superstitious enough to say leave him where he is. I'm curious about which cause of death you believe in, alcoholism or rabies?
Posted by: Darlene Ryan | October 20, 2008 4:43 PM
From what I've read, Poe hadn't touched alcohol for six months at the time of his death, and his alcohol abuse was not nearly as widespread as his biographer wanted it believed.
I think the rabies diagnosis is just odd and tragic enough -- imagine, he might've been bitten by a beloved black cat! Or a wandering orangutan! -- to satisfy my Gothic appetites.
But there are many, many more theories out there, most of which will never be proved or disproved. I like the mystery.
Posted by: Nancy | October 20, 2008 4:57 PM
To the question, "What was the cause of Poe's death?'
My favorite answer: "Baltimore."
Posted by: Ed Pettit | October 22, 2008 9:59 AM