Celebrate Poe

Poe's Haunted House Party

In this episode, George talks to AI Poe about the many plans and decisions connected with a “haunted house party.”  Mr. Poe has lots of interesting ideas regarding possible guests, decorations, and food! 00:00 Intro  01:40 Mr. Poe speaks (guest list) 04:03 Mood and decorations for party 07:26 More comments regarding mood and decorations 10:27 Similarities to decor of The Masque of the Red Death 12:43 Planned games and activities 16:06 Cultural icons to invite 18:26 Possible movies or telev...

O Captain

This episode - “O Captain” deals with the relationship between Walt Whitman and Peter Doyle.  “O Captain” describes how Walt and Peter met, their histories, and the possible influence of Peter Doyle on some of Whitman’s works - especially O Captain, My Captain.  Peter Doyle was actually present at Lincoln’s murder, and the genesis of the use of “the captain steering a ship/country” is discussed.  The episode ends with some sections of letters that Whitman and Doyle wrote to each other. Who ...

First American Gay Novel

This episode is about Joseph and His Friend - generally agreed to be the first novel about a same-sex relationship in the United States.  Reactions to the novel are dealth with, as well as a section that borders on the steamy! (at least by 19th century standards) 00:00 Intro  03:03 Was Poe gay? 04:26 Intro to Bayard Taylor 08:27 Edgar Allan Poe on Bayard Taylor 09:00 Joseph and His Friend 12:20 Plot of novel 15:55 Reactions to novel 17:55 Excerpt from Joseph and His Friend 31:30 So...

To Clasp Thy Hand Revisited

Children of Poe

  In this episode of Celebrate Poe, titled "Poe on Modern Horror Writers," we explore the world of contemporary horror literature and film through the perspective of Edgar Allan Poe. Mr. Bartley engages in a conversation with AI Poe, discussing the similarities and differences between horror in Poe's time and today. They delve into the works of notable modern horror writers and filmmakers, including Stephen King, Guillermo del Toro, Jordan Peele, and H.P. Lovecraft.  The episode highlights...

AI Poe on Google Bard

This is episode 178 of Celebrate Poe (also known as AI Poetalk.)  In today’s episode, George “talks” with Mr. Poe on Google Bard - a rather disappointing experience from ChatGPT.  George asked Mr. Poe about love (certainly not a difficult subject for Edgar Poe) but the Poe of Google Bard sounded like a Hallmark Card - and was never able to capture the language and tone of Edgar Poe.  So it looks like it will be back to ChatGPT! 00:00 Intro 01:58 AI Poe regarding love (on Bard) 07:46 AI Po...

Arguing with a Coffee-Maker

This is episode 177 (The Arrogant Coffee-Machine) of Celebrate Poe. Unlike the more recent podcasts of Celebrate Poe (or AI Poetalk,) George does not use ChatGPT to “communicate” with the persona of Edgar Allan Poe, but uses Microsoft Bing  - to very disappointing results.   It is interesting to compare the user-friendly, knowledgeable style of ChatGPT to the “arrogant” and “user-unfriendly” output from Bing.  So listen to this episode for a gradually frustrating (but very informative) exper...

Poe on Writing - Part 3

This episode is 176 of Celebrate Poe - Poe on Writing, Part 3.  AI Poe talks about such areas as alliteration, assonance, story structure, advice for young writers, and some very interesting about the possible threats and opportunities of AI/ChatGPT for writers. 00:00 Intro 01:16 Alliteration in writing 03:12 Assonance in writing 04:54 “The Power of Words” 07:20 Comments on “House of Usher” 09:25 Structure in “House of Usher” 12:18 Success of “The Raven” 15:58 “The Raven” as “Stairwa...

Poe on Writing, Part 2

This episode is part 2 of a 3 part series on Edgar Poe and the craft of writing.   Mr. Poe discusses a wide range of subjects - ranging from why he should be read today, his influence on French Symbolists, and improving as a writer of stories or poetry 00:00 Intro 01:08 Why is Poe different? 01:38 Why should we study Poe in school? 05:06 Influence on French Symbolists08:08 Is Poe easy to read today? 10:53 Improving as a writer of stories 15:32 Improving as a writer of poetry 20:06 Future ep...

Poe on Writing, Part 1

This is episode 174 of Celebrate Poe (or AI Poetalk) - season 3.  The episode is Part 1 of a 3-part series of the AI Edgar Allan Poe on Writing.  Another way to think of this episode is Part 1 of Poe’s Thoughts on Literary Mastery. 00:00 Intro  02:36 Mr. Poe on Writing 04:47 Advice on story stucture 07:48 How long should a story be? 10:02 Thoughts on “one sitting rule” 14:57 Thoughts on story location 18:24 Thoughts on story climax 21:21 Theme and characterization of work 26:20 Char...

Poe Hosts SNL

Episode 173, AI Poe Hosts SNL, largely consists of a fanciful converstion with ChatGPT 4.0 speaking in the persona of Edgar Allan Poe as a standup comedian, and then as the host of Saturday Night Live.  Today a successful writer, he speaks about some of the adaptations that have been made from his works.  Edgar Poe also examines the role of humor in his works, and his unique approach to dealing with the absurdities in life. 00:00 Intro 02:26 Poe as a standup comedian 06:27 Poe hosts Satur...

Poe - the AI Rapper

This episode deals with the exchange between George and the imaginary character of Edgar Allan Poe the rapper on ChatGPT.   George talks with Mr. Poe as a rapper (Mr. Poe is the rapper!) regarding “The Raven,” “The Tell Tale Heart,” “Annabel Lee,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” and three moving revisions “The Bells.” 00:01 Intro and background 02:14 Initial prompt 02:49 Comments on “The Raven” 04:30 To Helen 07:55 Hip hop version of “The Tell Tale Heart” 09:57 Hip hop version of “Annabel L...

Poe - the Stoned Teenager

Episdoe 171 is called “Poe - the Stoned Teenager” - This episode is a fanciful conversation via ChatGPT where the character of Mr. Poe speaks as though he wa a “stoned teenager.”  I like to think the episode is respectful to the historical facts, but also extremely funny where Mr. Poe refers to “The Raven” as the “Stairway to Heaven” of poetry.  The character of Mr. Poe (again, as a stoned teenager) talks about life at Stoke Newington, West Point, and a modern version of “Spirits of the Dead...

AI PoeTalk

This episode of Celebrate Poe begins a new emphasis in Celebrate Poe - the use of ChatGPT.   George uses AI to “communicate” with the imaginary character of the “ghost of Mr. Poe” - and ChatGPT does an excellent job!  The AI version of Poe is quite articulate in its use of 19th century expressions, as well as an understanding of the life of Edgar Allan Poe. George begins this episode with some suggestions about effective AI prompts, and the majority of the episode is a free-wheeling discussi...

Back in Richmond

This episode begins with a brief note of an upcoming endoscopy and how hungry Mr. Bartley is!  Then the episode deals with Poe’s life in Richmond immediately after returning from England. Was Mr. Allan in a significanly better position financially when he returned from England? How did Mr. Allan become “super-wealthy/“ Who is Thomas Ellis? Who is Joseph Clarke? Was Richmond an industrial city during this period? On what river is Richmond located? Why was Blackwood’s Magazine of intere...

From a Horror Movie

From a Horror Movie deals with the Allan family (with Poe) living in England for 5 years.  During a portion of this period, the young Poe lived near the British Museum, and one can only imagine how the ancient sculptures excited his imagination.  This episode also deals with Stoke Newington and briefly with the Reverend John Bransby.  The episode ends with a section of “William Wilson” that sounds like it could be from a modern-day horror movie! How long did it take to cross the Atlantic d...

Dancing on the Table

This podcast begins a slightly off-topic look at repetitive strain injuries, and how George is using Voice Control on the Mac, as well as the Kensington Expert Trackball Mouse.  The major sections of the episode deal with what happened to the young Edgar (and his brother and sister) immediately after his young mother died. What happened to Rosalie? Who founded Richmond? What do you think “Alone” is about?  Where was the young Poe christened? How did the Allans feel about the young Poe a...

Total Loneliness

Episode 166 is called Total Loneliness - the loneliness that Poe and his sister must have felt at the desertion of their father, as well as the tragic death of their mother.  George and the character of the ghost of Mr. Poe discuss the nature of biography upon a writer - how his or her life influences that person’s literary works.  The birth of Poe is discussed, as well as the career (and difficult life) of his mother. Where was Edgar Poe born? Why is Poe often referred to as “histionic”? ...

Poe in South Carolina

“Poe in South Carolina” discusses some of Poe’s life in the Army while stationed in South Carolina.  This episode has several passages regarding the geographic area in Poe’s story, “The Gold Bug” 10  significant partially because (with the exception of “Tales of the Ragged Mountain”) the story is one of the few pieces that Poe wrote that takes place in a specifically mentioned geographic region.  This episode also touches on some possible sources for “The Cask of Amontillado.”  The episode e...

You're in the Army Now

Episode 164 - George begins this episode by reflecting on the composer Maurice Jarre and two memorable video transitions.  Then the real subject of the episode begins - Poe’s initial period in the army in Boston. 00:01 Introduction 01:08 Reflections on movie transitions and structure 05:19 Poe in Boston and military service 09:08 More reflections on Tammerlane 16:56 Visit of the Dead 18:39 Future episode 19:08 Sources 19:25 Outro Who wrote the soundtrack to Lawrence of Arabia? Why ...

Creatures of Terror

This episode briefly discusses the nature of torture and cruelty in spoken media.  The majority of the episode deals with two conquerors who have become a part of legend - Vlad the Impaler.  Vlad is frequently viewed as a possible source for the character of Dracula.  And Tammerlane is viewed as an influence on Edgar Allan Poe’s Tamerlane and Other Poems. What was Wallachia? What was the fictional Count Dracula’s “stomping grounds”? Who was the brother to Vlad III? What does the “a” endi...

Ash Wednesday, Elizabeth Taylor, and Poe

Ash Wednesday - Motion Picture at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0Z-gH24wn400:01 Introduction This episode uses a variety of surprising sources to examine Ash Wednesday.  First this episode looks briefly at what Ash Wednesday IS and asks was POE familiar with Ash Wednesday and its meaning?  Then George looks at a rather forgettable movie starring the great Elizabeth Taylor called Ash Wednesday (which gives George a chance to talk about Elizabeth Taylor and her conntributions to the world...

Best of Netflix

This episode is George’s subjective list of the best content currently on Netflix.  Most of the titles are NOT miniseries made up of numerous episodes.  And George feels that the two best videos on Netflix are traditional movies - well-planned stories with characters and situations  the viewer really cares about. Which title on the list is from the BBC? Who is Ryan Murphy? In George’s opinion, what is the best episode of Dahmer? What are some of the shows he is associated with? Who is T...

Worst of Netflix

This episode is a subjective list and discussion by George of what he views as the worst and/or most boring movies on Netflix.  A totally subjective list, the discussion includes such disappointing titles as Love in a Villa, Dahmer, Glass Onion, Tales of the City, Dynasty. and The Pale Blue Eye. Why is Love in a Villa so tedious? How is Dahmer exploitive? Name two other mystery writers who have written about crimes in “closed areas?“ Why are Dynasty and Tales of the City disappointing? ...

Poe Versus Dahmer, Part 2

Episode 159 is the second part of a comparison between The Cask of Amontillado and Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.  George first points out how Poe felt that a “unified effect” was essential to a story.  Poe would feel that a shorter work like The Cask of Amontillado could express a unity of effect, while Dahmer (with its almost 10 hour length) is definitely overlong in comparison. George also points out why many people legitimately feel that the miniseries exploited the victims ...

Poe Versus Dahmer, Part 1

After several weeks absence, the Ghost of Mr. Poe returns to read The Cask of Amontillado - this is done in prepration for the next episode of Celebrate Poe - an examination and critique of Dahmer on Netflix.  Mr. Bartley points out that part of the horror communicated by The Cask of Amontillado is because of what we DON’T know - why the narrator felt it was so important to murder Fortunado.  What is the significance of wine to the story? Why is the name Fortunado ironic? What does the n...

More Harry Melling

This episode concentrates on Harry Melling - the potential problems he faced getting typecast as Dudley in Harry Potter.  He had the chance to learn from some of the greatest living British actors in Harry Potter.  The episode also discusses The Lost City of Z, and the black comedy, Say Your Prayers.  The episode ends with an extensive look at The Queen’s Gambit and Harry Melling’s role in the miniseries. Why would a character like Dudley have less chance of being typecast? What are some o...

The Pale Blue Movie

This episode deals with the movie version of The Pale Blue Eye - currently on Netflix.  George talks about both the movie’s weaknesses (largely its pace) and strengths (definitely Harry Melling’s performance.)  George discusses some of the differences between the book and movie.  This epsidode also deals with English actors (especially in the case of Gone With the Wind) being ideal for roles of Southern characters. When is The Pale Blue Eye set?  Did Poe actually attend West Point? Is Lan...

The Pale Blue Process

Episode 155 - The Pale Blue Process This episode is about some of the many aspects and talents involved in making movie version of The Pale Blue Eye - including the location where the story was filmed, the composer, Howard Shore, Gus Landor as played by Christian Bale, and most notably, the character of Edgar Allan Poe as played in the movie by Harry Melling. What is Google Alerts? Why was The Pale Blue Eye filmed in Pennslyvania? Was the movie filmed at West Point? Where is the directo...

Lafayette, Poe, and the Military

This bonus episode deals with some factors that encouraged Poe to become fascinated with the military - especially in the person of General Lafayette.  This episode deals with Lafayette’s background in France and time in the United States and his essential role in the American Revolution.  His role in helping the United States become an independent nation led to him becoming a hero in the United States, and fifty years later he was invited back to the United States.It was during this time th...

The Pale Blue Eye in Night Mode

This episode deals primarily with Louis Bayard and his novel The Pale Blue Eye.  This episode also discusses why Edgar Allan Poe might be a good subject for historical fiction, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of book versus movie version.  George also lists several of the historical events and actual events in Poe’s life and how they are integrated into a fictional story.  And this episode also has an explanation of the whys and wherefores of night mode on a device. Name two exa...

The End of It (Really!)

Episode 149 Show Notes This episode is the final section a A Christmas Carol - The End of It.  (Sorry for the snafu before.) In it, Scrooge makes a dramatic change in his life and thinking as a result of the “spirits of Christmas.”  The final section includes such famous sections as the young lad being asked to procure a large turkey and Scrooge exhibiting a complete change in his attitude towards life. 00:00 Intro 00:42 The beginning of the end 05:35 Asking  the young boy to buy a turke...

Bells and Books

“Bells and Books” deals with 4 Christmas-related literary works - the first is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  The second is listed as a Christmas poem (“The Bells” by Edgar Allan Poe - but I have my doubts.) The third (and longest) section is “A Set of Poe” by Indiana writer George Ade.  The episode concludes with several lines regarding the season written by non-other than a little-known author named William Shakespeare. What was Poe’s opinion of Longfellow? Why was Poe like a Kar...

Before Christmas

This episode begins with a brief description of James Russell Lowell’s feelings about Edgar Allan Poe.  Then George will read A Christmas Carol by Lowell, followed by The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore. The episode concludes with O’Henry’s classic The Gift of the Magi. What did James Russell think of Edgar Allan Poe? Did the first versions of “The Night Before Christmas” have the author’s name on it? Who wrote The Night Before Christmas? Who wrote “The Gift of the Magi”? Name thre...

The End of It

Episode 149 Show Notes This episode is the final section a A Christmas Carol - The End of It. In it, Scrooge makes a dramatic change in his life and thinking as a result of the “spirits of Christmas.”  The final section includes such famous sections as the young lad being asked to procure a large turkey and Scrooge exhibiting a complete change in his attitude towards life. 00:00 Intro 00:42 The beginning of the end 05:35 Asking  the young boy to buy a turkey 09:02 Meeting the portly gentle...

Future Ghosts

This episode of Celebrate Poe deals with the especially powerful section of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol relating to the Ghost of Christmas Future.  Scrooge learns some powerful lessons regarding how his existence (and greediness) has affected others. How does Dickens show that many people feel that Scrooge’s life meant very little? What are some of the actions that characters take regarding Scrooge’s body after his death?  What does the old woman steal? What are the mixed feelings felt b...

The Second Spirit

This episode introduces the Ghost of Christmas Present from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The episode begins with a classic description of English foods, and Christmas meal with the Crachits. Scrooge (like most readers of the story) is especially moved by the plight of Tiny Tim.  The episode/reading ends with personifications  of Ignorance and Want. What do you think is the purpose of listing so many foods? What is London like at Christmas according to the story? How is the Crach...

Ghosts of the Past

Episode 146 - Ghosts of the Past. The episode largely consists of a reading regarding the visit of the Ghost of Christmas PAST from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.  The miserly Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past who takes Scrooge back to his boyood, the village in which he grew up, and is sister.  The Ghost then shows Scrooge an entertainment/dance by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, and Scrooge’s young love. Where did the Ghost of Christmas Past take Scrooge? Describe the Fezz...

Marley's Ghost

Today’s episode deals with the first section of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.  This section of the story is also known as Marley’s Ghost. 00:00 Intro 00:47 Marley was dead 03:46 Visit from nephew 09:12 Visit from gentlemen 15:14 Scrooge sees knocker/Marley’s face 16:30 Scrooge’s room 19:38 Marley’s ghost appears 30:05 Phantoms outside 32:23 Next episode 32: 33 Sources 32:39 Outro

Rare Christmas Books

The first part of this episode basically serves as an introduction to the Christmas/holidays works that will be a a part of Celebrate Poe every night until December 26. “Rare Christmas Books” deals with valuable holiday publications, and serves as a background to the works that will be read during this holiday season.  The second part of this episode deals with the unreleased “Christmas with Edgar Allan Poe” - a bit about its history and several of its selections.  George will read the linea...

Rare Books

Episode 143 of Celebrate Poe deals with some of the most valuable books/documents ever published.  This episode begins with George as a kid planning to “read every book in the library” and ends with his brief experience with an actual copy of Shakespeare’s 1523 First Folio.  Rare Books also  deals with some of the most valuable books written by Americans (the most expensive might surprise you) and some of the rarest books written by English writers. 00:00 Intro 00:05 All the books in the l...

MISSING!!!

Missing!!! deals with the mysterious theft of a copy of Tamerlane and Other Poems from the Alderman Library at the University of Virginia.  This episode relates the initial realization that something might be wrong with the collections at the Alderman Library - that something may have been stolen.  The belated reaction of the staff is covered, as well as some of the reactions of the University of Virginia police department.  This first portion of this episode ends with a brief description o...

Pyramids of Skulls

  Episode 141 - Pyramids of Skulls This episode begins with an apology for the lateness of this episode because of a medical bill snafu that was all consuming.  The main part of Pyramids of Skulls is an imaginary interview with the ghost of the historical Tammerlane - highlighting his ruthlessness in battle, incredible cruelty to his enemies, and the destruction caused by what was the strongest army in the world at that time. Poe’s first published work was Tammerlane and Other Poems - but ...

Where Did Poe Get THAT idea?

This episode deals with some of the possible sources for Tamerlane - the longest poem from his first published work.  This episode touches on such varied subjects as Christopher Marlowe, Nicolas Rowe and the First Folio, the Richmond Theatre Fire, hippodrome plays, and why Tamerlane and Other Poems is important. What is the full name of Edgar Poe’s first published work? Which play by Christopher Marlowe might be an influence on Tamerlane? What is the importance of Marlowe’s hero? What is...

The Most Valuable American Book

This episode deals with the most valuable book ever written by an American -Tamerlane and Other Poems by Edgar Allan Poe. The book was published in Boston. and was Poe’s first publication. George (and the ghost of Mr. Poe) read several poems from Tamerlane and Other Poems, including I Saw Thee on Thy Bridal Day, Visit of the Dead, and The Happiest Hour. 00:00 Intro   00:53  Entrance of the ghost of Mr. Poe 01:30 Life and publication in Boston 07:43 I saw thee on thy bridal day 08:43 Vis...

End of Youth

This episode of Celebrate Poe delves into an extremely personal and influential time in the writer’s life - basically the end of his youth and decision to leave Richmond to become a writer.  This episode also deals with his relationship with Elmira Royster (his first - and later his last - love.) The relationship between John Allan and Edgar is explored, as well as some of Edgar’s frustrations about John Allan’s expectations (typical father and son stuff!) 00:00 Intro 01:58 Courting Elmyra...

Why WILL You Say I Am Mad?

George begins this episode by talking a bit about the dynamics of performing “The Tell Tale Heart” - how it is so easy (and fun) to go “over the top” because the story is open to so many interpretations.  The those of Mr. Poe reads the story, and the role of the unreliable narrator is compared in The Black Cat and The Tell Tale Heart.  George also talks about a murder trial of the period (Daniel Webster was one of the attorneys) that could have served as inspiration for The Tell Tale Heart. ...

The Black Cat

This episode has the ghost of Mr. Poe reading the complete version of the story, The Black Cat - setting the story up for a comparison of guilt and madness with The Tale Heart (in the following episode.)   This episode with some observations by David Grantz regarding individual will in such stories as The Black Cat. What is the Black Dog Syndrome? What was the physical difference between the first and second black cats owned by the narrator? Why is narrator considered unreliable? How did...

Poe's Halloween Poems

This episode delves into what are arguable the most famous Halloween poems of Edgar Allan Poe. While the word Halloween was not used in the poems “Spirits of the Dead,” “The Raven,” and “Ulalume,” the poems embody the Halloween spirit. Where was the first version of “Spirits of the Dead” published. What is usually considered the most famous poem ever written by an American (o.k. - I am prejudiced!) What one word does the bird in “The Raven” say? Where does Poe end up in “Ulalume”? 00:00...

A Brief History of Halloween

134 Notes This episode is a brief look at the development of what is now known as Halloween - starting with Samhain.  The episode begins with a passage that Poe wrote about Stonehenge.  It follows the development of Halloween as a holiday - from Samhain to All Souls day to “trick or treat.” What is Samhain? What Halloween custom was mentioned in a letter to John Allan? What is Feralia? What is Pomona? Who is Mary Fowlds? Wha do burning chestnuts have to do with Halloween? What was Ha...