Bon Bo By Edgar Allan Poe Analysis

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Bon Bon, written by Edgar Allan Poe, tells the story of Pierre Bon Bon, a baker and a metaphysician who is visited by the Devil. On the night of a storm, the devil enlightens Bon Bon about the knowledge he bestowed upon several of well renowned philosophers in exchange for their souls. Pierre refuses to believe anything he says. The Devil then expresses his distaste for physicians’ souls but Pierre insists his soul would serve as an excellent bargaining token. As he continues to become more drunk he offers his soul to the devil. His offer is continuously declined. Throughout the story, the theme displayed shows that it is in human nature to validate oneself’s beliefs and existence through others, and even the most composed person can be pushed to take desperate measures in order to do so. When it is revealed to …show more content…

This new revelation brings several of his beliefs, as a metaphysicist, someone who studies the principles of every aspect of existence, to question. Later, the Devil acknowledges the book Pierre is reading, Rituel Catholique, which refers to the soul as the spiritual principle of human spirit and consciousness. Pierre makes sure to convey his determination to prove what he knows, but the devil interrupts as he says, “The soul is undoubtedly… indubitably… indisputably… evidently… incontrovertibly… beyond all question” (Poe 146), leaving him unable to convey his message. Once again, he’s continues with persistence to prove that what he knows is true in order to maintain a state of composure and a full grasp on an explanation of the soul and all he believes it encloses. When the Devil has completely discombobulated Pierre, explaining that his soul is less than a shadow, Pierre has decided to revolt against his guest. He doesn’t want any more of the knowledge that he knows to be true to proved otherwise, claiming that “My soul is qualified for a stew… soufflée…

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