Emi O’Brochta – “Berenice” ; The Literary Gentleman’s Indictment (Introduction)

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:

In my recent perusing of the Southern Literary Magazine, I came across a text of particular note. If you are at all familiar with my review column—I assume you are, as our magazine has recently overtaken the Southern Literary Magazine in both readership and renown—then you will know that I am rarely stirred by a publication under our sister company. I began reading their latest publication, naturally, with an expectation for disappointment.

I tell you, I have never experienced a horror, a shock, a disturbance so intense in my life. This was, as the author begins, a tale of manifold misery indeed. I have spent many nights since pondering the very nature of the human psyche—a study I must indulge in now.

Admittedly… regretfully… I am intimately familiar with the author of this tale. It is from my experience with the man himself that I draw two conclusions. First, I must acknowledge, begrudgingly, that he possesses a certain degree of literary prowess. Second, I am sure, nay convinced! that the miseries and woe portrayed in his characters stem from the depravity of the author himself. This is a speculation I hope to convince you of.

In the following manuscript, I will attend to the corruption ahead with the care of a historian, the interest of a psychologist, the attention of a morbid enthusiast.

Please enjoy the following analysis of a tale (and a man) of true woe. This tale, of course, is “Berenice” by the madman, Edgar Allan Poe.

Signed your beloved critic,

Mr. W.W

ANOTHER NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:

To readers who hope to pursue further reading on the horrors of “Berenice”, I would like to recommend the literature of fellow editors:

Editor Klink’s examination of psychology:

BERENICE, QUEEN OF HELL: Elizabeth Klink, Introduction

Editor Grause’s analysis of mortality and femininity:

Wasting Woman: Death and the Feminine Form in “Berenice” by Emma Grause

Editor Inouye’s exploration of masculine attraction: 

Berenice and the Constant Danger of Male Fantasy by Sarah Inouye

Editor Reinert’s dissection: 

The Dissection of Berenice

Editor Shaffers’ analysis of literary gore: 

Iysis Shaffers – Pearly White Body Horror in “Berenice”