the names of some characters in some works by Edgar Allan Poe

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Who could show me what symbolic mean the names of the characters are in some works by Poe such as Eiros, Charmion; Monos, Una; Agathos, Oinos.

-- Anonymous, January 05, 2004

Answers

These hasty clues taken from classical Greek:

"Monos", meaning "One", just as the Latin "Una" (cfr. "Animus & Anima" 's idea) -- two relevant names for two souls/spirits, when we remember Poe's ideal conception of God and Creation, from "Al Aaraaf" to "Eureka".

"Agathos", meaning "Good" and, in general, any idea of virtue.

"Oinos", meaning "Wine" -- "In vino veritas".... linking it to Revelation of some Truth....

"Eiros" and "Charmion" were used by Poe in his unfinished tragedy "Politian", as the two gentle maids at the service of Queen Cleopatra, and with the unusual meaning of "Rainbow" and "Dove", respectively. "Charmion" is a classical Greek name alluding to "sweet song or singer" (cfr. the Latin "Carmen"). "Eiros" may be "Iras", but more exactly classical Greek "Ieros", again evoking something of "ideal" or "holly" feature...

Good luck with your own interpretations.

Yours sincerely, Raven's Shade (Belgium).

-- Anonymous, January 08, 2004


Aoww! Sorry, but instead of "Holly", please, read "Holy" (or "Sacred"), evidently ! Yours, Raven's Shade (Belgium).

-- Anonymous, January 08, 2004

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