Personal Evaluation

Does the Gold Bug connect with my life? In many ways it does. I have been bitten by the desire to strike it rich in order to restore my reputation. To have myself cleared of the curious circumstances, not unlike that of Poe, of having to rely on friends to support me. There is something community-affirming about my circumstances. Yet while I feel there is a fair exchange for my wages, winning the lottery or writing a book would go a long way to convince me that Lady Fortune has once again smiled upon me. In short, I identify with the author and the protagonist's "fallen state".

While studying Greek grammar, I was struck by a technical term that was more significant to me on the personal level than the mere parsing of a sentence. The term was "subjunctive mood". For someone who has never grasped the basics of English Grammar, this phrase was an enigma. A Subjunctive is the mood of "doubtful certainty". It is to positively assert something that is hypothetical. Somewhat of a paradox, I thought. When I read The Gold Bug I find myself invited into that paradox of a subjunctive mood. Poe is asserting something that is hypothetical but in very convincing terms. He is saying that appearances are deceptive, although they don't seem like it. That rationality and something supra-rational such as fortune, mishap, or what we have been calling synchronicity, combine in procuring our fortune. This sounds to me like a statement of faith made in a setting of confusion and doubt.

The Gold Bug suggests to me that if I follow my best intuitions about unearthing a new life for myself, there is a possibility that Fortune will combine with my drive and intentions and bring the desired fantasy into effect. Neither chance nor planning alone will bring about a fortuitous outcome. Even when luck and effort combine, there is no guaranteed formula for success. The best strategy would be to place myself in a position of openness to synchronicity.

Such an ambiguous plan ought to have the overall effect of creating humility. Yet this is precisely what William Legrand appears to lack. I sense that his certitude is a dangerous step beyond hope and persistence and indicates a pridefulness that is close to Promethean. He gives the impression that he deserves the treasure because of his cleverness in solving the puzzle. Concessions to fortune are there, but do not seem to have affected his character. Perhaps it is because he attributes his fallen state to Fortune and it is up to Fortune to return him to his "rightful" position. There is something menacing about this personal application of manifest destiny and entitlement. Poe's moral is not "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed by the name of the Lord." but rather, " Fortune took away and she bloody well better pay me back what she owes me." This is part of what it is to be bitten by the goole bug. I deserve better and I will through any means within my ability restore myself.

Through reading Poe's tale, I am reminded that contentment can be found anywhere where there is an appreciation for community. He doesn't say that of course, since he had very little experience of it. It is the way he crafts his tale that leads me to the conclusion that "the treasure is in the bones." In the end Legrand is a rich man capable of re-entering his family's world. Yet he is not any closer to the true treasure, found in the bones. No matter what status I attain or how much of my indebtedness is alleviated I must realize that the grace of love and companionship can not be bought and sold. Wealth is found ultimately in love. I would love to have more wealth, to be less concerned with cash but I have to watch out for "dat der goole bug, I heard's about dem der goole bugs and what midt they does wid your brains!"

You can respond to the author by writing here.