Edgar Allan Poe Mandala Idea Board
This post is a collection of notes for the future piece.
Center piece – the Raven
Day Clock – Prominent Female Characters:
Ligeia – Story: “Ligeia” – Day: Monday
Ligeia, representing Monday, the first day of the week, embodies the enigmatic and mysterious nature of the Moon. The Moon’s phases and the lunar cycle mirror Ligeia’s transformative journey, where life and death intertwine.
Ligeia/Rowena stands before an ornate mirror, her ethereal reflection gazing back at her. In one hand, she holds a splendid goblet of wine, while her other hand gently touches her mirrored image, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. The dim candlelight casts an otherworldly glow, underscoring the mysterious and haunting nature of the scene.
Berenice – Story: “Berenice” – Day: Tuesday
Tuesday is linked to Mars, the Roman god of war. Berenice’s story is one of dark and intense emotions, which aligns with the warrior-like energy of Tuesday.
Berenice lies in eternal slumber, her form resting upon a cold, stone grave. Above her chest rests a small, ornate box, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols of teeth. Inside the box, her teeth gleam, their ivory surface contrasting with the darkness surrounding them.
Lenore – Poem: “The Raven” – Day: Wednesday
Wednesday is often referred to as “Hump Day,” representing the midpoint of the workweek. Lenore’s presence in “The Raven” symbolizes a turning point, marking a shift in the narrator’s emotions and journey. Wednesday is associated with Mercury, and embodies haunting mysteries and deep introspection, mirroring the planet’s influence on a day of communication and inner exploration.
Lenore, with raven-black hair and eyes, clutches a single black feather from the raven, symbolizing her connection to the mysterious bird. The imagery could include a dimly lit chamber with a raven perched nearby, emphasizing her association with the bird. A quote from the poem “The Raven” could accompany the image: “Quoth the Raven, ‘Nevermore.'”
Eulalie – Poem: “Eulalie” – Day: Thursday
Thursday is associated with Jupiter, the king of gods. Eulalie’s character embodies elegance and beauty, much like the majestic presence of Jupiter in the sky.
Eulalie stands as a blushing Victorian bride, her innocence and beauty captivating all who behold her. In her hands, she holds a gentle dove, symbolizing the purity and love she embodies. The imagery of the serene moonlit garden captures the romantic and melancholic essence of the poem. A quote from ‘Eulalie’ could accompany the image: ‘Astarte! – I behold thee!
Morella – Story: “Morella” – Day: Friday
Friday is connected to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Morella’s story explores themes of love, identity, and self-discovery, making Friday a fitting match.
Morella is described as intelligent, intense, and possessing a profound knowledge of philosophy and metaphysics. She has a deep connection with the supernatural and seems to possess an otherworldly aura. Her appearance might include elements such as flowing black hair, pale skin, and deep, contemplative eyes. She could be portrayed in a Gothic setting, surrounded by ancient books and mystical symbols, evoking an air of mysticism and the occult.
Eleonora – Story: “Eleonora” – Day: Saturday
Saturday is linked to Saturn, the god of time and fate. Eleonora’s tale revolves around themes of fate, love, and eternal connections, making her a natural fit for Saturday.
The passion which had for centuries distinguished our race… together breathed a delirious bliss over the Valley of the Many-Colored Grass. A change fell upon all things. Strange, brilliant flowers, star-shaped, burst out upon the trees where no flowers had been known before. The tints of the green carpet deepened; and when, one by one, the white daisies shrank away, there sprang up in place of them, ten by ten of the ruby-red asphodel. And life arose in our paths; for the tall flamingo, hitherto unseen, with all gay flowing birds, flaunted his scarlet plumage before us.
Annabel Lee – Poem: “Annabel Lee” – Day: Sunday
Annabel Lee is associated with Sunday, the day of the Sun, due to her depiction as an ethereal figure embodying eternal love and beauty. In the poem, her love transcends time and death, mirroring the Sun’s symbolism of vitality and perpetuity. The poem’s setting by the sea and imagery of a kingdom connect to the Sun’s role in sustaining life and the natural world.
Annabel Lee stands near the seashore, with gentle waves symbolizing her connection to the sea. The imagery could evoke a sense of longing and eternal love, as portrayed in the poem. A quote from “Annabel Lee” could accompany the image: “In her sepulchre there by the sea— / In her tomb by the sounding sea.”
CLOCKFACE
1 o’clock: Cask of Amontillado – The cask of Amontillado represents the hidden revenge, just like the hidden aspects of the first hour of the day, which is often quiet and unnoticed.
2 o’clock: The Tell-Tale Heart – The pulsating heart beneath the floorboards mirrors the growing intensity of the second hour, when the world wakes up and starts beating with energy.
3 o’clock: The Pit and the Pendulum – The swinging pendulum and the pit below it evoke the sense of danger and anxiety, similar to the tension that builds up as we approach midday.
4 o’clock: The Masque of the Red Death – The masquerade mask with a clock represents the anticipation of the social gathering, just as people anticipate the afternoon and evening festivities around this time.
5 o’clock: The Black Cat – The black cat with a noose around its neck symbolizes the change in energy as the day transitions into the evening, where darkness begins to take over.
6 o’clock: The Fall of the House of Usher – The crumbling mansion and tarnished family crest signify the decline of the day, just as the evening approaches, bringing darkness and mystery.
7 o’clock: The Gold-Bug – The ancient treasure map and scarab beetle reflect the fascination with discoveries, similar to the time when the stars and constellations start to become visible.
8 o’clock: The Murders in the Rue Morgue – The magnifying glass and newspaper represent investigation and analysis, similar to how we scrutinize our surroundings as the night falls.
9 o’clock: The Mystery of Marie Rogêt – The woman’s hat and river signify a sense of intrigue and flow, mirroring the gradual winding down of the day and the mind.
10 o’clock: The Oblong Box – The long, wooden box and ship at sea symbolize the departure of the day, just like ships setting sail into the night.
11 o’clock: The Purloined Letter – The stolen letter and seal represent hidden truths and secrets, akin to how we may keep some thoughts and emotions to ourselves as the night deepens.
12 o’clock: The Premature Burial – The coffin and terrified face evoke the eerie nature of midnight, when fears and nightmares often come alive, just like the fear of being buried alive.
The arrangement aims to capture the progressive and darkening journey of the day, transitioning from a hidden cask of revenge at 1 o’clock to the terror of premature burial at midnight.