Talking Bottles and Stalkers

Walking Around in Circles

I don't know about you all, but I was decidedly underwhelmed as I read The Man of the Crowd. I kept thinking that something awesome would happen, like a knife fight or a murder or a drug deal, alas nothing of the sort occurred. Not to mention the fact that the narrator was already sick. . . and walking around in the rain. . . all night long. Was I the only one who found that odd? Am I being overly critical?

Anyway, a few questions occurred to me along the way--I will post them to the discussion board as well:

• Do you often people watch? Do you make up stories about those people's histories? 'Cause I do, and I don't want to feel like the only freak. . . 
• Is the Man in the Crowd so guilty about something that he cannot stand to be alone? Is that his problem?
• Is he a symbolism for guilt, just being generally unsettled? Was his physical bouncing back and forth indicative of his internal state?
• Was the Man simply avoiding problems?
• Was the Man an alcoholic?? (He was only happy when had a little gin. . . )

Wino, the Angel

Maybe Poe meant The Angel of the Odd as a warning, but I found myself laughing the whole way through.  It's quite strange, though the initial exchange in the bedroom reminded me of Crime and Punishment.  I kind of want to build the Angel of the Odd. . . am I the only one.  I think it would be more than just a conversation starter.  I mean to fit it with the insides of Teddy Ruxpin (yes I have one still) and really freak people out with it. I am picturing a drunken version of the Tin Man. (Am I alone in this?)

Did anyone else catch the fact that runaway wives and apprentices were listed in the same column? Are they equally inconsequential?  The main character seemed a little self-righteous wanting to cure journalistic falsehoods, don't you think?

Here are some questions that popped into my strange little head while I read:

• Is this story Poe's ramblings on fate and his belief on our inability to alter what will happen to us?
• Did you get the sense that Poe was more rambly than usual?
• Was this the narrator's dream? Or a drug trip gone terribly bad?

We will discuss this further on the discussion board.  Or you can leave some comments here. I love to read your thoughts!