What is The Bells really all about. I have thought about it and I think it might be about life cycle. I am just seeking other opinions on this interesting poem

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002

Answers

The bells is a reflective look on Poe's four decades of his life. How as a child he was full of joy, hope, and promise. How later in his teens love came into his life but the "bells" were not as jolly as they were when he was younger. Then in his twenties his life was not as joyous anymore and how things were starting to plaque him. Lastly, in his thirties his life was its own horror with his drinking and everyone he ever loved dying before his eyes-- including his wife.

-- Anonymous, February 28, 2002