Shows
Positively Poe PodcastA Descent into the Maelström"A Descent into the Maelström" is a mesmerizing tale of terror and survival by Edgar Allan Poe. This gripping narrative transports readers into the heart of a colossal whirlpool off the coast of Norway, known as the Moskoe-ström. Through the eyes of an old fisherman, Poe recounts a harrowing ordeal at sea, where the forces of nature clash with human ingenuity and will to live. As the fisherman and his brothers face the ultimate test of survival against the unfathomable power of the maelstrom, Poe explores themes of fear, awe, and the sublime. This story is a ma...
2024-04-2946 minPositively Poe PodcastThe Purloined Letter"The Purloined Letter" stands as one of Edgar Allan Poe's most celebrated tales, showcasing his genius in crafting detective fiction. Set in the vibrant yet shadowy heart of Paris, this narrative unfolds a gripping tale of intrigue and intellectual duel. The story follows the astute C. Auguste Dupin as he is enlisted by the Parisian police to recover a letter of great importance, stolen and cunningly hidden by the cunning Minister D—. As Dupin employs his unparalleled powers of deduction and insight into human psychology, the story evolves into a captivating chess game of strategy and deception. Poe masterfully co...
2024-04-2550 minPositively Poe PodcastThe Thousand-and-Second Tale of Scheherazade"The Thousand-and-Second Tale of Scheherazade" is a captivating short story by Edgar Allan Poe that stands as a unique departure from his typical macabre and mysterious narratives. In this imaginative continuation of the famous Arabian Nights, Poe presents us with Scheherazade's final tale, purportedly the one that ultimately leads to her demise. Unlike her previous stories filled with magic and fantasy, this tale is grounded in a reality that is fantastical only because of its anachronistic inventions and discoveries. Scheherazade recounts to her king a series of incredible, yet ostensibly true, adventures and phenomena, ranging from the exploration of...
2024-04-2239 minPositively Poe PodcastThe Imp of the Perverse"The Imp of the Perverse" is a psychological narrative by Edgar Allan Poe that delves into the human psyche, exploring the concept of self-destructive impulses. Poe introduces the idea of an impish force that compels individuals to act against their own interests, often at the most inopportune moments. Through the confession of a murderer who succumbs to this perverse impulse, Poe examines themes of guilt, confession, and the irrational nature of human behavior. This story is a profound inquiry into the paradoxes of the human mind, showcasing Poe's keen insight into the darker aspects of human nature and his...
2024-04-1818 minPositively Poe PodcastWilliam Wilson"William Wilson" is a captivating short story by Edgar Allan Poe that delves into the themes of identity, duality, and the human conscience. The narrative follows the protagonist, who shares his name with the title, through various stages of his life from his boyhood in a gloomy English boarding school to his adulthood filled with decadence and moral decline. The story is marked by the mysterious appearance of a doppelgänger, also named William Wilson, who mirrors the protagonist not only in name but in appearance, though he seems to embody the moral conscience that the original Wilson lacks. T...
2024-04-1556 minPositively Poe PodcastThe Black Cat"The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe is a harrowing tale of guilt, psychological torment, and the supernatural. It follows the descent into madness of an unnamed narrator who, under the influence of alcohol, perpetrates horrific acts of violence upon his pets and wife. Central to the story is a mysterious black cat named Pluto, who becomes the target of the narrator's growing rage, only to return in a seemingly supernatural form to haunt him. As the narrator's life spirals out of control, the presence of the black cat serves as a constant reminder of his guilt and leads...
2024-04-1127 minPositively Poe PodcastThe Pit and the Pendulum"The Pit and the Pendulum" by Edgar Allan Poe is a harrowing tale of suspense and psychological horror that delves into the darkest corners of human fear and resilience. Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition, the story unfolds through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, who finds himself condemned to a ghastly prison cell designed to inflict unimaginable torture. With each passing moment, the narrator faces a series of ingeniously cruel traps, including the titular pit and a menacing, swinging pendulum edged with a sharp blade, each designed to drive him to the brink of madness. As...
2024-04-0842 minPositively Poe PodcastThe Masque of the Red Death"The Masque of the Red Death" by Edgar Allan Poe is a chilling tale of hubris, decadence, and the inescapable nature of death. Set against the backdrop of a devastating plague that ravages the land, Prince Prospero retreats to the supposed safety of his opulent abbey, barricading himself and a thousand of his nobles away from the suffering outside. In a bold defiance of the grim reality beyond his walls, Prospero hosts a lavish masquerade ball, a bizarre spectacle of excess and denial. However, as the night unfolds, an uninvited guest cloaked in the garb of the Red Death...
2024-04-0417 minPositively Poe PodcastThe Domain of Arnheim"The Domain of Arnheim" is a captivating short story by Edgar Allan Poe that stands out for its departure from the author's typical themes of horror and mystery, venturing instead into the realms of beauty, nature, and the sublime. The narrative follows the journey of the protagonist, Ellison, who inherits a vast fortune and dedicates his life and resources to creating an earthly paradise. The story is a richly detailed account of Ellison's meticulous design and cultivation of a magnificent landscape garden, "The Domain of Arnheim," which becomes a testament to the power of human imagination and the pursuit...
2024-04-0142 minPositively Poe PodcastThe Mystery of Marie RogêtWelcome to the Positively Poe Podcast, your portal to the mysterious and captivating tales of Edgar Allan Poe. In this episode, we delve into the perplexing narrative of "The Mystery of Marie Rogêt."Join me, your host Alexander Darkmore, as we unravel the chilling enigma surrounding the disappearance and death of Marie Rogêt, a young woman whose fate has baffled investigators and sparked public intrigue. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Paris, Poe's gripping tale explores the complexities of crime, investigation, and the elusive nature of truth.Through meticulous analysis and deductive reasoning, we...
2024-03-252h 09Positively Poe PodcastFour Beasts in One—The Homo-CameleopardWelcome to the Positively Poe Podcast, where we delve into the bizarre and fantastical realms of Edgar Allan Poe's imagination. In this episode, we unravel the enigmatic tale of "Four Beasts in One—The Homo-Cameleopard."Join me, your host Alexander Darkmore, as we journey to the ancient city of Rome, where a peculiar event unfolds during the Carnival of Venice. Amidst the revelry and spectacle, a mysterious figure emerges – the Homo-Cameleopard, a creature unlike any other, adorned with the characteristics of four distinct beasts.Through Poe's vivid descriptions and surreal imagery, "Four Beasts in One—The Ho...
2024-03-1818 minPositively Poe PodcastMs. Found in a BottleWelcome to the Positively Poe Podcast, your gateway to the haunting tales of Edgar Allan Poe. In this episode, we set sail into the unknown depths of the sea with Poe's enigmatic short story, "Ms. Found in a Bottle."Join me, your host Alexander Darkmore, as we embark on a journey aboard a mysterious ship, where a lone narrator finds himself entangled in a series of inexplicable events. As the narrative unfolds, we're plunged into a world of cosmic terror and existential dread, where the line between reality and nightmare blurs.Through Poe's masterful prose...
2024-03-1127 minPositively Poe PodcastThe Balloon HoaxWelcome to the Positively Poe Podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of Edgar Allan Poe's lesser-known works. Today, we're delving into the intriguing realm of journalistic fiction with Poe's "The Balloon-Hoax.""The Balloon-Hoax" is a captivating tale that blurs the lines between fact and fiction, written in the form of a sensational news article. In this gripping narrative, Poe presents a thrilling account of a transatlantic balloon voyage, purportedly undertaken by the intrepid Monck Mason and his companions.Join me as we unravel the mystery behind this audacious adventure and examine Poe's skillful manipulation...
2024-03-0434 minPositively Poe PodcastThe Murders in the Rue MorgueIn "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" by Edgar Allan Poe, we follow the brilliant amateur detective C. Auguste Dupin and his friend as they investigate a series of baffling murders in Paris. The victims, brutally slain in a locked room, present a perplexing mystery that baffles the authorities. Through astute observation and deductive reasoning, Dupin unravels the truth behind the murders, revealing a surprising culprit and showcasing his unmatched intellect in the realm of crime-solving. This groundbreaking tale is considered one of the earliest examples of the detective genre and a masterpiece of suspense and intrigue.
2024-02-171h 34Positively Poe PodcastThe Oval PortraitIn Edgar Allan Poe's "The Oval Portrait," a wounded traveler seeks refuge in an abandoned mansion and discovers a haunting portrait of a young woman. As he examines the painting, he becomes enthralled by its lifelike depiction and learns the tragic tale behind its creation. The story unfolds as we delve into the past, witnessing the obsessive devotion of an artist to his muse, ultimately leading to a chilling conclusion that blurs the lines between art and reality.
2024-02-0509 minPositively Poe PodcastThe Fall of the House of UsherWelcome to a chilling episode of the Positively Poe Podcast, where we unravel the haunting tapestry of Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale, "The Fall of the House of Usher." I'm your guide, Alexander Darkmore, inviting you to embark on a journey into the macabre depths of one of Poe's most atmospheric and psychologically intense narratives."The Fall of the House of Usher" introduces us to the melancholic Roderick Usher and his twin sister, Madeline, as they inhabit a decaying mansion enveloped in an aura of impending doom. As we traverse the dimly lit corridors and shadowy chambers...
2024-01-0555 min