I know that the first three stanzas symbolized the first three satges of life: child-like innocence, marital bliss, and the end of life. These are my questions:

1) Does the fourth and final stanza represent death ("and their king it is who tolls") or the culmination of his madness?

2) Why does Poe change the phrase from "in a sort of" to "In a HAPPY Runic rhyme"? Does this have any significance other that he is happy that his life is over due to his intense insanity? I know there's more to it that that, right?

3) Lastly, in the beginning of the third stanza, is the speaker or the poet trying to redeem himself to God to escape the burning fires of hell? ("mercy of the fire," "with a desperate desire, and a resolute endeavor," "mad expostulation with the deaf and frantic fire")

anyone who replys, thatks for your help and time.

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2001

Answers

Toby,

This poem by Poe was an attempt to convey a sense of life or the stages of through his use of onomatopoeia and repetitive rhythmic rhyme. To a large degree, he was successful but some critics of his time were put off by the "experiment." I have sent you a summary via e-mail that is too long to post here. I hope you find it useful.

Regards,

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2001

Thank you so much Tis. i know it's sort of overdue (understatement haha) but the analysis you gave me was very helpful. thank you again for your help and time.

toby

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001