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Since 1923, the Poe Society has sponsored an annual commemorative lecture on the life and/or works of Edgar Allan Poe, presented by a noted Poe scholar. This lecture is always held on the first Sunday in October, more-or-less coinciding with the anniversary of Poe’s death. Prior to this event, it is traditional for members of the Poe Society to gather at Poe’s grave, placing flowers on the monument in a brief and informal ceremony to honor Poe’s memory.
These Poe Society events are free and open to the public.
Sunday, October 4, 2009:
1:15 p.m. - Tribute to Poe at the Poet’s Grave
Location:
Westminster Burying Ground, at the corner of Fayette and Greene Streets
(This is a very brief and informal ceremony. Anyone wishing to bring flowers to be placed on Poe’s grave is welcome to
do so.)
2:00 p.m. - 87th Commemorative Edgar Allan Poe Lecture
Location: The E. A. Poe Room of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral, second
floor
Welcome, and Introduction of the Speaker and Respondents
Address: “A Tale of
the Ragged Mountains: of Mesmerism and Composition” by Dr. Justin R. Wert (Piedmont Virginia Community College)
Abstract of the lecture: “A Tale of the Ragged Mountains: of Mesmerism and Composition”
“A Tale of the Ragged Mountains,” published in April of 1844, has been labeled by critics as Poe’s first “study in mesmerism,” followed by two others: “Mesmeric Revelation” (1844) and “The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar” (1845). At first glance “mesmerism” seems to be an appropriate thematic term for a discussion of these three stories. However, a closer examination of this “mesmeric” grouping reveals notable differences between “A Tale” and the two others. Although “A Tale” represents yet “another demonstration of Poe’s extraordinary ability to put together images and ideas from different recognizable sources to make a coherent fabric distinctively his own” (Mabbott, III, 936), the two later works seem to derive their primary forces of verisimilitude from imitation and variation of scientific texts.
By contrast, Poe fashioned the intricate web of “A Tale” from a chaotic sampling of literary works, scientific texts, and personal experiences as well. Though based somewhat upon “mesmerism,” a contemporary subject of much discussion in Poe’s time, “A Tale” is not “a study in mesmerism.” Rather it is a singular passage into the “dreary desolation” (Mabbott, III, 942) of the mind, where Bedloe, a patient of the mesmerist Dr. Templeton, is tantalized by “solitude…absolutely virgin” (942) and terrorized by the vampiric Dr. Templeton who controls Bedloe’s will. Through comparisons to other Poe tales and vampire lore, and through comparisons to mesmeric treatises, “A Tale” emerges as distinct from Poe’s other two mesmeric tales. Moreover, the peculiar appearance of Bedloe may result not from mesmerism but from vampirism.
Response/Discussion and Questions from the audience.
3:00 p.m. - Reception
Location: The E. A. Poe Room of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral, second floor. Punch and cookies will be available. This reception is co-sponsored by the Division of English and Communications Design of the University of Baltimore.
Note:
The Pratt Library requires the following disclaimer for events held in its facilities: “Use of library meeting space does not constitute endorsement of this organization, this program or its content by the Enoch Pratt Free Library.”
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[S:1 - JAS] - Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore - Poe Society - Annual Commemorative Lecture