The Conqueror Worm facts for kids
The Conqueror Worm is a poem written by Edgar Allan Poe. It talks about how everyone eventually dies and that death is something no one can escape. The poem first appeared in a magazine called Graham's Magazine in 1843. Later, Poe added it to his short story "Ligeia" in 1845. In that story, a character named Ligeia writes the poem. She shares it with her husband as she is dying.
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What the Poem is About
The poem describes a play being watched by crying angels. Actors, called "mimes," perform on a stage. Huge, unseen shapes control these mimes from behind the scenes.
The mimes try to catch a "Phantom" but can never reach it. Then, a scary, crawling creature appears. This creature eats the mimes.
Finally, the curtain falls like a "funeral pall." This ending shows the end of the "tragedy, 'Man'." The poem suggests that the only real winner in this play of life is "The Conqueror Worm," which represents death.
Its Role in the Story "Ligeia"
The poem is very important in Poe's short story "Ligeia." Ligeia writes the poem while she is dying. Her husband, the narrator, then recites it.
The poem highlights that death is final. This idea makes readers wonder about Ligeia's return later in the story. The poem also uses the word "evermore." This word later became "nevermore" in Poe's famous poem "The Raven" from 1845.
How the Poem Was Published
"The Conqueror Worm" was first printed by itself. It appeared in the January 1843 issue of Graham's Magazine. Soon after, it was part of a collection of Poe's poems. This collection was in the Saturday Museum on February 25, 1843.
The poem was also included in Poe's book of poems, The Raven and Other Poems, in 1845. In the same year, it was added to the story "Ligeia." This happened when "Ligeia" was reprinted in the New York World on February 15, 1845.
"Ligeia" with the poem was printed again. This was in The Broadway Journal on September 27, 1845. Poe was the editor of this newspaper at the time. It was common for Poe to put his poems into his stories. He did this with "The Coliseum" and "To One in Paradise" as well.
Movie Title Connection
The British horror movie Witchfinder General was given a new name for its release in the United States. It was called The Conqueror Worm. However, this movie was not based on Poe's poem.
See also
In Spanish: El gusano conquistador para niños
