I found that the most fascinating of Poe's stories was "Ligeia". To me, it does not evoke vampirism so much as perhaps some other sort of immortal or ageless being. Thinking about it, though, it did involve some aspects of vampire legends. People were said to rise again after they had died to become vampires, her proficiency in dead and foreign languages, et cetera. The illness, particulary, reminded me of part of the story in "Baltimore; or The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire", and I must assume that Golden and Mignola had read and referenced Poe's story.
Since vampires were never thought to be beautiful, as Ligeia is, there are holes, but I believe the story to be the most fascinating of the three, with the vibe of one of the creepier Grimm's tales, similar to "Fitcher's Bird", but with more death. It also rather reminded me of H.P. Lovecraft's lighter works, which I found most enjoyable since I like to read myself to bed with a spot of Lovecraft every so often.
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I like the idea you present of Ligeia being about some other immortal beings rather than vampires. Like some sort of angel or goddess. I also thought the narrator might have been going insane. which is not uncommon of Poe's writing.
ReplyDeleteIn response to your being unable to get the book right now, I have put scans of the stories on a disc. I'll leave it with Jen, but I know Justice is getting it first, then Amanda, and I will leave it with Jen after that. If you would like to use that instead. I think I'm going to have to just extend this assignment. I didn't give people long enough to get the book.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrested that you made the connection to other stories that had similiar ideas to poe's. Also you say that vampires were never thought to be beatiful as Ligeia was but I have encountered several instances besides this where they have been discribied as beatiful, unflawed. I think this were mostly newer books, and also the Manga Kelsey just assigned, so maybe it's a newer concept. I'm intrested now though, I want to look up some of the stories you mentioned.
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