A Predicament
A Predicament is a humorous short story written by Edgar Allan Poe and published in 1838. The story parodies the gothic short story, very popular in England and America in the early 19th century.
Signora Psyche Zenobia is the narrator of this story. As she walks through the city of Edina with her little poodle and her servant Pompey, she falls in love with a gothic cathedral and decides to climb the bell tower. Once there, Zenobia climbs on top of Pompey and tries to see by sticking her head through an opening in the wall.
Totally amazed by the great view of the city, she is completely unaware that she is really in front of a clock and that one of the hands has begun to stick into her and it is going to kill her slowly, minute by minute, until it cuts her neck completely .
However, the narration will continue even without a head, Zenobia even indicating a certain joy at being rid of her...
What chance, good lady, hath bereft you thus?
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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans
Copyright note. A Predicament by Edgar Allan Poe is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading A Predicament in PDF or EPUB.
- Pages
- 14
- Reading time
- 18 minutes
- Pace
- Intermediate
- First published
- 1838
- Language
- English
- Downloads
- 2,418
188 years later, still timely
Why Read A Predicament in 2026?
Macabre slapstick with a razor’s edge: Poe spoofs sensational adventure until it becomes gruesomely funny. It’s a reminder that horror can grin.
Today's connection
Great for readers who enjoy tonal tightropes—satire, shock, and a wink at our appetite for extremes.
Horror as farce
Laughing in the dark.
Shock timing
Gags meet gasp.
Media mirror
Spectacle under scrutiny.
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About the author
Edgar Allan Poe
Precision of mood and method that invents detective logic and the claustrophobia of obsession.
