Ligeia

Discuss the significance of the narrator’s unreliability in “Ligeia.” Does the narrator’s opium misuse solely contribute to his unreliability, or are there other reasons to doubt his tale? Explain with evidence from the text.

Explore the nature of obsession in the story. In what ways might obsession fulfill a need for the narrator? Why might readers be invested or enthralled by the narrator’s obsessiveness?

How does Poe use symbolism, imagery, and the character of Ligeia to explore death and grief?

Discuss the significance of setting and architecture in the story, particularly the gothic abbey. How does the abbey function as a symbol and how does it contribute to the overall atmosphere of the narrative?

Analyze the use of first-person narration in “Ligeia.” How does the narrator’s perspective shape the reader’s understanding of events, characters, and themes, and what effect does it have on the story's tone and mood?

How do you interpret the characters of Ligeia and Rowena? Is it possible to understand these women apart from the narrator? How might these women be the narrator’s invention? What might this suggest about gender relations of the Romantic Era?

Why are eyes used to symbolize Ligeia’s supernatural qualities, and how do they contribute to the story’s exploration of perception versus reality?

Discuss the spiritual elements of the story. Which spiritual or religious references do you find the most horrific? Why? How do the spiritual elements of the story contribute to the story’s interest in death and obsession?