Dr. N. Bryllion Fagin recounts the life of Poe and the circumstances surrounding his death in Baltimore. Poe's obsession with death and the transmigration of souls led him to become a precursor to modern mystery writers. Dr. Fagin analyzes several of Poe's short stories, indicating pattern weaving. Three of Poe's lyrical poems are read in part and analyzed: "The Raven," "The Bells," and "Ulalume." Dr. Fagin also notes Poe's reputation as a literary critic.