The Power of Words
The Power of Words is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe and first published in 1845.
This story is one of Poe's metaphysical tales, a little more distant from the author's better known horror stories.
The story is about two angels named Agathos and Oinos. The conversation revolves around Oinos, who worries about knowledge and thinks that having it will bring him happiness. Agathos, on the other hand, argues that happiness does not lie in knowledge itself, but in its acquisition.
With a somewhat dense and rather philosophical language, Poe moves away from his macabre tales and offers a profound reflection on creation.
"OINOS. Pardon, Agathos, the weakness of a spirit new-fledged with immortality!
AGATHOS. You have spoken nothing, my Oinos, for which pardon is to be demanded. Not even here is knowledge thing of intuition. For wisdom, ask of the angels freely, that it may be given!"
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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans
Copyright note. The Power of Words 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 The Power of Words in PDF or EPUB.
- Pages
- 7
- Reading time
- 7 minutes
- Pace
- Intermediate
- First published
- 1845
- Language
- English
- Downloads
- 2,948
181 years later, still timely
Why Read The Power of Words in 2026?
Poe compresses a thesis: language does not merely describe—it shapes. In a few pages, he treats speech as craft and consequence.
Today's connection
Rhetoric steers reality, from headlines to households. This piece argues for precision, restraint, and the ethics of saying only what you can carry.
Thought in syllables
Clarity is a discipline.
Style as tool
Form that fits meaning.
Speech with duty
Words have weight; lift carefully.
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About the author
Edgar Allan Poe
Precision of mood and method that invents detective logic and the claustrophobia of obsession.
