The Conqueror Worm by Edgar Allan Poe

Once again, Poe has created another poem related to crypt death. A picture is painted of a man alive in a crypt as the worms slither around his coffin, "At bidding of vast formless things that shift the scenery to and fro."

An expression of anger toward God, "Sit in a theater, to see a play of hopes and fears, while the orchestra breathes fitfully the music of the spheres," brings attention to the greater message. Of course, I might be angry if I woke in a coffin and knew God and the Angels knew I was alive.

This line actually bids ill tidings to God. It sets the stage of a spirit going mad in a coffin. They try to find any hope, but know there is none. Fate takes hold and a man becomes a phantom. A tragic death leaves him haunting his final resting spot. This could also allude to the idea of remaining in our bodies until Judgment Day. Poe relays horrors of watching your own corpse decay until one day being released only for judgment.

It writhes! - it writhes! - with mortal pangs
The mimes become its foods,
And the angels sob at vermin fangs
In human gore imbued.

The specter watches his body, humanity, and self slowly erode away. This leans my attention to the saying we must detach ourselves from everything earthly. During the last part of the poem, the angels say, "That the play is the tragedy 'Man,' and its hero the Conqueror Worm." Implying God ensures we shed all burdens and attachments to this world. Worms help us obtain a place in heaven.

Beyond religious symbolism of the poem, there is another element. The name of the poem isn't "God on heights" or "Tragic Play" the poem is called "the Conqueror Worm." This shifts focus to the humble and blind worm. It is filled with blood that is red throughout its body and wriggles through the dirt its entire life.

In a way, Poe is stating we shall conqueror over our fears, sins and earthliness by being like the worm. Through humbling ourselves; remaining blind to the world; and living in it as we will be filled with life.

At first glance, this poem seems nothing more than a thriller. It seems to suggest that living is pointless. In the end we all die. We are treacherous worms attacking each other like scavengers. After deeper thought it reveals a popular religious ideal. It applauds the humble and doubts the vain; the vain suffering more than the humble, because of an inability to let go of wants and ego.

Quirky Books
Edgar Allan Poe: Editor Richard Wilbur