BERENICE, QUEEN OF HELL: Elizabeth Klink, Introduction

BERENICE, QUEEN OF HELL: MALE PANIC AND THE HORRORS OF WOMANHOOD

This analysis focuses on Egæus’ psychology, which is greatly concerned with male panic and fragility. Beginning with his mother’s death, Egæus spirals into a trance-like state that is employed by monomanic obsession with his late wife’s body, specifically her teeth. Exploring the themes of womanhood and horror, it is concluded that there is an interconnectedness between Egæus’ psychological disillusionment and the treatment of women in his life. Correlation to ancient thought and other 18th-century texts are also employed to further analyze Poe’s characters and plot.

I am choosing the 1845 reprint “Berenice.” from the Broadway Journal. I wanted the paratext to be present and I also did not like the title “Berenice – A Tale”, because it is redundant. I also liked the spacing of the text because I felt that it spoke more to Poe’s vision in that it is easier to read, in my opinion. This version also provided translations of the French that Poe integrates which I do not want to overlook.