The Raven's Tale

A few early poems of Poe's are printed in the back. An Author's Note explains some of the real people and events from Poe's life that inspired the story as well as her research into Poe. She also provides the sources and inspirations for poems and poetic phrases that appear throughout the story. An untranslated Latin phrase in the dedication may inspire kids to look it up. The setting provides insight into the culture and geography of Richmond, Virginia, and the University of Virginia.

Poe is a mixed bag as a role mode -- definitely a troubled and conflicted soul. He's a loving and devoted son to his foster mother, but justifiably resentful of his foster father. He longs to write and is very talented, but he's afraid of where his obsession with death and the macabre will lead. He's also very good at satire but mostly uses it to belittle others. He's an excellent student, finishing his year at the top of his class, but gambles at cards as a way of trying to pay his university expenses, ending up thousands of dollars in debt. His foster family has two slaves, one of whom helped raise him. He's still emotionally close to her and she offers him and his muse, Lenore, advice, which of course they don't follow.

Brief pairing of sex with violence when during a kiss with a fantasy creature, Poe sees gruesome, horrifying images in his mind that appear years later in his work. Another nonsexual kiss with a fantasy creature luring Poe into death by drowning. A few other kisses briefly described. Mention of beautiful breasts and an ample bosom showing. Poe's foster father Allan has a long-term, extra-marital relationship and the children resulting from it are mentioned. Once Poe wishes Allan would leave the house to "frig" his mistress until they turn blue and collapse on the bed. Lenore is attracted to women and some same-sex kissing and cuddling between fantasy creatures is briefly described.