A Poe Moving Train Wreck

For our fifth episode, Mike and Dave explore two stories by Poe, the very short "The Oval Portrait" and "Hop-Frog," a spicy tale that has it all. As we read and discuss these works, we'll examine the autobiographical elements, highlight the motifs from previous stories, and examine new ones as well. Especially as it comes to the "Hop-Frog," we'll delve into the messages present particularly as they relate to power dynamics and Poe's problems with authority. We sincerely hope you can find a way to use the latter in a scholarly bent since "Hop-Frog" needs as much exposure as is humanly possible.