Morella
Morella
Book Brief
Beta16
Short Story • Fiction
•
Classic Fiction•
Horror & SuspenseGermany • 19th century
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
In "Morella," Edgar Allan Poe explores themes of identity and the supernatural. A person experiences profound turmoil after marrying the enigmatic Morella, whose deep knowledge leads to eerie transformations. As time progresses, their life becomes intertwined with unsettling events that blur the line between life and death, ultimately leading to a haunting climax.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Unnerving
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
2,882 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Morella by Edgar Allan Poe showcases his Gothic mastery, blending themes of identity and the supernatural. Readers appreciate the eerie atmosphere and psychological depth, though some find the narrative dense and complex. The story’s haunting qualities linger, enticing fans of Poe’s exploration of the uncanny, despite its challenging prose and pacing.
Who Should Read Morella?
A reader who enjoys Morella by Edgar Allan Poe is likely drawn to Gothic literature, psychological exploration, and themes of identity and mortality. Fans of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley or Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë may appreciate its haunting atmosphere and deep, dark emotional currents.
2,882 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
"Morella" showcases Edgar Allan Poe's fascination with themes of identity, with the story exploring the metaphysical question of the soul's immortality and transferability.
The tale was first published in the November 1835 issue of Southern Literary Messenger, where Poe served as an editor, marking one of his early endeavors in crafting horror and gothic fiction.
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"Morella" reflects Poe's use of intertextual references, as the protagonist's wife shares her name with a historical figure, Giambattista Morelli—known for introducing the method of meticulous identification, a nod to themes of identity and legacy found in the story.
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16
Short Story • Fiction
•
Classic Fiction•
Horror & SuspenseGermany • 19th century
Adult
14+ years
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