TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I REALLY NEED THIS INFORMATION. I HAVE SEARCHED EVERY PART OF THE LIBRARY AS WELL AS EVERY SITE THAT APPEARS IN THE SEARCHES.

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2003

Answers

The symbols pertain to the clues concering the buried treasure of Capt. Kidd and the puzzles and mysteries to solve. The Gold Bug is prophetic and misleading as a symbol. The scarab is an Egyptian sign for immortality and was typical of its jewelry. In contrast, by heating the paper, it is more clearly revealed as a skull but a hint of real gold- treasure. This play of symbols draws us to the dark mystery of the real skull(the bug has to be dropped through the left eye) to where a buried treasure is topped by the skeletons of the diggers left behind. In this tale Poe symbolically solves death and achieves the treasure through scientific apllicationof his wits and ingenius inspiration. The dominant impression in this solitary location and the constant clues of pirates and death to pierce is one of fear and feverish expectationand the search unwinds. Mind over dark mystery yet reaping the glory of treasure at the end.

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2003

The "Gold Bug" is a Metaphor that exceeds basic greed. Realization. as in any effort is the triumphe of one's effort for Gold is no less impactual than the the triuphe of spirit, and ongoing ernergies that brings you such (imagined) Supreme Satisfaction in a goal the would trancsend our animal instincts ("I'm HUNGRT....Get me a Beer...!) That previous example was rude and I apologize.

In other words: What would motivate YOU to the point where you might surrender your best qualities for GOLD? Do you remember Jesus in the Temble turning over the tables of the Money Changers? Do you remember the Mayans saying: "They are so hungry for Gold..." as they poured molten Gold down the thoats of the Spaniards unlucky to have been caught?

Drop the weight and compensate for the change and growth that time has rought in just THIS ONE TREE............

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2003