We will continue discussing Poe’s story “The Oblong Box.” In works like “The Purloined Letter,” it is clear that Poe is investigating issues related to writing and storytelling. Is he in “The Oblong Box”? If so, how? Please think a bit about how this story is itself about the act of storytelling. Also, think about the plot of this story and consider the multiple definitions of the term “plot.” Finally, please consider what the oblong box may represent or symbolize.
We are going to spend at least half of our next class discussing issues related to writing about literature. We will then spend some time discussing what to read next. Here are a few options:
Wilkie Collins’ The Dream Woman
Fydor Dostoyevky’s Notes from the Underground
Henry James’ The Aspern Papers
