Loss of Breath by Edgar Allan Poe (1832): A Review
Author: Edgar Allan Poe
Publication Year: 1832
Pages: 15
Rating: ⭐⭐
Genre: Satire
Source: eBook
Another "What the hell did I read?" story by Edgar Allan Poe. The story follows Mr. Lackobreath, who literally loses his breath and is then captured by his neighbor, Mr. Windenough, leading to an absurd situation where Mr. Windenough ends up with two breaths.
The story begins on the first day of Mr. Lackobreath's marriage, during which he curses and mistreats his wife. Before he completes his abuse, he loses his breath and becomes a sort of walking corpse. Desperate to hide his condition, he tries to escape without anyone noticing, but things take a turn for the bizarre. People in a coach realize he is "dead" and throw him out, causing him severe injuries. His lifeless body is subsequently sold to a surgeon, who proceeds to remove his organs and mutilate him.
The tale continues with Mr. Lackobreath's disfigurement and encounters with various deaths until he finds Mr. Windenough, who is also presumed to be dead, in hopes of reclaiming his breath. While some interpretations suggest that the story touches on themes of Transcendentalism, immortality, and pseudoscience, I believe the core message is clear: treat your wife with respect and kindness; otherwise, there may be dire consequences!
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