I am kicking off Dark Origins 2023 with an analysis of origins of The Pit and the Pendulum, a short story by Edgar Allan Poe set during the height of the Spanish Inquisition. Thanks for hosting, Kaye Lynne Booth.
Overview
I am kicking off Dark Origins 2023 with an analysis of the origins and historical accuracy of The Pit and the Pendulum. This short story by Edgar Allan Poe is set at the height of the Spanish Inquisition.
The story begins with the unnamed narrator being condemned to death. As the judges announce his fate, the narrator focuses on seven tall candles. The light of the candles initially appears to him like angels and he feels comforted. He is soon, however, overcome by horror at his fate and the candles disappear when he collapses into semi-consciousness.
When the narrator awakes, he is initially to scared to open his eyes. When he does open them, he finds himself in complete darkness and spends some time imagining the tortures of the Inquisition. After some time has passed, he musters the courage to start moving and tries to make sense of his…
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I haven’t thought of that story in a long time, but anything by Poe is captivating. I can still quote the first lines of “Bells” (hehee)
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Very detailed and the history/back ground interesting. Beautifully written and very detailed
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HI Bella, I’m glad this post interested you.
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I enjoy Poe! To read the complete post, off I go!!
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Robbie, this is exciting. I love Poe, too!
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Thank you, Linda. Poe was an extraordinary writer.
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I remember reading this story about 50 years ago. Heading over to learn the origins. Eeek.
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Hi Diana, I came to understand the factual inaccuracy of Poe’s torture descriptions when I read up on the Spanish Inquisition for small parts of my book, Through the Nethergate. It intrigued me, especially as I go to such pains to be historically accurate.
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I like historical accuracy, Robbie. It lends a sense of reality to fiction, even to speculative fiction. 🙂 Your work always seems well-researched.
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An excellent article on The Pit and the Pendulum. I especially appreciate the way you bring history, the back story, the emotional nuances of the narrative into your review. You provide context and give readers a greater understanding of Edgar Allan Poe’s brilliance. I look forward to these posts. I always learn something new when I stop by.
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Hi Rebecca, you have made my day. This is the exact reason I write these articles and share my views, thoughts and research with others. Thank you!
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You always make my day too!!! Your posts are well developed, concise, to the point and bring everything together is a way that entices readers to open a book!!!
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