In a message dated 8/2/00 11:04:08 AM Central Daylight Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:

> I have used Poe's short story 'The Pit and the Pendulum' to help
illustrate...

Neat idea. I used to use Vachel Lindsey to illustrate the merit of Red Wing
work boots over bare feet and Abraham Lincoln quoted Artemus Ward. At least
Poe lends us a context within which people can say, "Oh, yeah, I heard of
that guy." Has anyone noticed that 99% of reputation appears to be based on
hearsay? And for this we get employed preserving other people's culture?

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