Chapter 14 Summary

Along with Mrs. Ellet, Nicholas and Miranda set out to visit Poe on a very hot day, and when he begins to question her about her life as a poet, she obliges by reciting some "transcendental verses" of her own composition. Along with food for the family they are visiting, he provides wine and brandy, and when Miranda asks if that is a wise decision in Poe's case, he tells her that the liquor will make the poet more interesting.

Inside the simple home, they find the enigmatic author, his young, dying wife Virginia, and her mother, Mrs. Clemm. Although everything is neat and in order, it is obvious that poverty has taken a stand here. Miranda finds Poe unattractive, and because of the chaos in his life, the man appears to be much older than he really is. He is also not...