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The Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe

Most people know Edgar Allan Poe by his poem “The Raven” or even some of his short stories such as the “Tell-Tale Heart” or “The Masque of the Red Death.” My own obsession with Poe began in middle school after I had read “The Pit and the Pendulum.” My grandma kept a collection of his books in her house that I read deep into the night, drowning out my brother’s snores.

While these stories describe a mysterious, creepy, and at times, murderous personality, the actual character of Edgar Allan Poe has been much evaded. It has been hard to grasp the kind of person he was, even to historians, as there have been much speculation to both his life and death. This article will be discussing the facts (and fiction) of the mysterious man, while also taking a closer look at his death, which remains a mystery even today.

Sad Beginnings

What is known about Poe is that his life was almost as depressing as his stories. According to the biography by The Poe Museum, Poe’s parents were traveling actors and were in Boston when Poe was born on January 19, 1809. His father, David Poe Jr. left his mother, Eliza Poe, shortly after Poe was born. Eliza died only three years after.

There have been speculation, according to 10 Mind-Blowing Facts about Edgar Allan Poe by Matthew Childers, as to whether or not Poe had been named after the character Edgar in the play King Lear by Shakespeare, as both of his parents participated in the play when he was born. Other sources, such as Why Edgar Allan Poe’s Death Remains a Mystery by Jordan Zakarin, explain that Poe’s foster father, John Allan, gave him the name. Nonetheless, things supposedly began looking up for Poe after he was brought in to live with the wealthy tobacco merchant and his wife, Francis in Richmond, Virginia.

Growing Up

John Allan, having no children of his own, had taken young Poe as his son and heir. Allan planned on giving Poe all of the education and wealth needed to continue in his business, giving him a long, wealthy, and prosperous life.

Those plans were basically eradicated by the time Poe learned how to write. On the backs of some his ledger sheets, he wrote unfinished stories and poems from a young age, aspiring to be his favorite writer, Lord Byron, a British Poet (The Poe Museum). Poe showed no interest in becoming a businessman, much to the disappointment of his foster father.

Even so, Poe still attended the University of Virginia in 1826. Most sources say that while he was marvelous in his classes, he produced a gambling debt. In reference to 10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Edgar Allan Poe, John Allan would give Poe money under the assumption that Poe needed more to pay for his classes, when reality Poe was trying to pay off debt. However, according to the biography by The Poe Museum, Allan sent a third of the money that Poe needed to pay for classes, so Poe took up gambling. Either way, Poe amassed a gambling debt he was unable to get out of, causing him to drop out of the university.

With his head hung low, he returned home, only to find that his fiancée, Elmira Royster, was engaged to another. These series of events squeezed the tension of Poe’s relationship with his foster father even further, until finally, Poe moved out to be on his own. He was accepted into the military at West Point, while still trying to work on his poetry and short story writing. He was thrown out of the program only after eight months.

Poe’s Careers and Marriage(s)

The long list of Edgar Allan Poe’s series of life events that happened after West Point become confusing. According to 13 Haunting Facts about Edgar Allan Poe’s Death by Christopher P. Semtner, after Poe was kicked out of West Point, he became the editor at the Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond. The Messenger became more popular with Poe’s fiction and book reviews in just seventeen months. The source explains he was fired twice (reasons unknown), and after the second time, he took many other editorial positions in New York and Philadelphia, while also speaking in lectures and public readings.

But The Poe Museum explains that after Poe left West Point, he moved in with his aunt Maria Clemm. While there, he became close with his cousin, Virginia. Meanwhile, Poe’s foster father passed away, leaving Poe out of his will. Instead John Allan left everything to an illegitimate child Poe had never even met.

Poe was living in poverty, and in no doubt needed money. He started publishing more of his short stories, winning him a contest run by the Saturday Visitor. This gave Poe writing fuel to publish more stories and to acquire a job at the Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond.

The source also explains how Poe made the Messenger one of the most popular literary magazines in the south with his writing and book reviews. This is where his rivalry began with Rufus Griswold.

When he was twenty-seven, Poe married Virginia, who was only thirteen years old at the time. Poe still did not make enough money. Whether or not he actually was fired from the Messenger or he left, he still moved to New York City to pursue more editorial jobs.

While married and still unable to make a living, Poe wrote the most popular poem (arguably) in the world, “The Raven” which was published in January 1845. The poem would make him nearly famous overnight, but he was only paid about fifteen dollars for the publication.

According to The Poe Museum, the publication of “The Raven” drew more crowds to his lectures and his public readings. Because of it’s fame, Poe began demanding better pay for his work and he continued on to publish two more books that same year.

While things seemed to be looking up for Poe, in 1846, disaster struck. Virginia’s health began to go down hill, and fast. Poe moved out of New York City and to a cottage in the country. In 1847, his wife, Virginia, died of tuberculosis at the age of twenty-four. It was said that her death devastated Poe so much, he could not write anything for months.

In the summer of 1849, Poe moved back to Richmond, Virginia. There, he once again met his first fiancée, Elmira Royster, who was now a widow. Their love sparked once again, and not too long after, they became engaged.

Unfortunately, Poe would not live to see his wedding day.

Poe’s Mysterious Death

Buzzfeed Unsolved takes a look at the death and life of Edgar Allan Poe

There are five days in which Poe was missing. No one heard from him nor knew where he was. According to 13 Haunting Facts about Edgar Allan Poe’s Death, one of the last letters Poe ever wrote was to a Mrs. St. Leon. In the letter, they set up a meeting in Philadelphia so that Poe could edit a book of her poetry. He left for Philadelphia in October of 1849.

A week before his trip to Philadelphia, Poe went to see his doctor friend, John carter. Elmira Shelton was concerned for his health and said that he appeared ill to her. Carter advised Poe to stay in Richmond a couple of more days before going on his trip. When he left Carter’s house, Poe accidentally took Carter’s sword cane instead of his own.

Most sources say he went as far as Baltimore before disappearing. On October 3rd, five or so days after his departure, he was seen outside of the bar, Gunner’s Hall, confused, delirious, wearing clothes that did not fit him, and having no luggage. Later, one trunk of his luggage would be found in Baltimore, the other in Richmond.

Outside of Gunner’s Hall, Poe was recognized by a man named Joseph Walker. He asked Poe if he could contact anyone for him. Poe told him to write a letter to an editor named Joseph Snodgrass. According to Why Edgar Allan Poe’s Death Remains A Mystery, the letter said:

“Dear Sir,

There is a gentlemen, rather worse for wear, at Ryan’s 4th ward polls, who goes under the cognomen of Edgar A. Poe, and who appears in grand distress, and he says he is acquainted with you, he is in need of immediate assistance.

Yours, in haste,

JOS. W. WALKER

To Dr. J.E. Snodgrass”

Poe was then taken to Washington College Hospital. At this point, there is much speculation as to what happened, for both doctors and historians. Poe was put in a windowless room and saw only Dr. John Moran. Poe then died on October 7th, 1849.

There are no records of his hospital stay before his death. There was no autopsy done, as the cause of death was put to be “congestion of the brain.” This saying could mean the doctors who looked after Poe believed he died of a drug or alcohol overdose.

In reference to 13 Haunting Facts about Edgar Allan Poe’s Death, Moran wrote articles and a book called Edgar Allan Poe: A Defense, in order to defuse the rumors that Poe had died of an overdose. Unfortunately, Moran’s writings and accounts of what happened vary, and are not considered reliable.

However, according to Why Edgar Allan Poe’s Death Remains A Mystery, Poe was not a heavy drinker. In fact, he was considered to be a light weight. There were rumors that he drank more when his wife, Virginia died. Not long after, he pledged sobriety and joined the Sons of Temperance a few months before his death. Joseph Snodgrass was passionate about the temperance movement and usually used Poe as an example of how drinking can be dangerous.

There are many theories on how Poe actually died. Some specialists believe that Poe may have had rabies, which would explain his deliriousness and confusion. A researcher and professor at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Dr. R Michale Benitez researched this theory and gained national attention at a medical conference in 1996. According to the accounts of Dr. Moran, Poe became feverish and had spikes of madness. He also, at times, had refused to drink water. Both could be a sign of rabies.

Other theories suggest the flu that turned into pneumonia, carbon monoxide poisoning, or heavy metal poisoning. Most of these theories have been rejected. There is one that seems more plausible than the rest, but it is hard to prove.

Edgar Allan Poe could have been a victim of “cooping.” This is a type of electoral fraud in which people were kidnapped off the street, drugged, and then forced to participate in the voting polls over and over again. Eventually, the victim would be let go, but the drugs in their system would cause them to die. Gunner’s Hall, the tavern that Poe was found outside of, was next to a voting place. This could explain Poe’s deliriousness, madness, and even the fact he wasn’t even wearing his own clothes when he was found.

After Death

An obituary for Edgar Allan Poe was published by a person named Ludwig. This obituary painted the picture that Poe was a horrible human being, obsessed with greed, drugs, alcohol, and women. The only good thing the obituary mentioned was Poe’s writing skill, but even his statue as a human being was diminished.

“Still though, he regarded society as composed of villains, the sharpness of his intellect was not of that kind which enabled him to cope with villainy, while it continually caused him overshots, to fail at the success of honesty.” (Death of Edgar Allan Poe)

Some strange happenings occurred even after Edgar Allan Poe died. According to 13 Haunting Facts about Edgar Allan Poe’s Death, some of these events including his cat abruptly dying, people taking Poe’s hair while visiting his body (including Joseph Snodgrass), and various accounts of people seeing Poe after he had died.

The more creepier events happened decades after Poe’s death. Edgar Allan Poe was buried in an unmarked grave on the plot of his grandfather in Westminster Burying Grounds in Baltimore. Twenty-six years after the death of Poe, teachers and students raised enough money for an actual monument to be placed next to the cemetery gate. While the coffin was being moved, the bottom fell out, exposing Poe’s remains. Some of the pieces of the coffin became a collector’s item.

Virginia, Poe’s wife who died of tuberculosis, was originally buried in Poe’s landlord’s crypt in the Bronx. After Poe had been moved to the new location, admirers of Poe suggested Virginia be moved next to him. Some developers had built over her cemetery and moved her body. One of Poe’s biographers, William Gill, had rescued her bones. He had kept Virginia’s remains under his bed for years before the admirers of Poe suggested the move.

Closing Thoughts

While Edgar Allan Poe lived a sad life, most of his work is still known far and wide, even today. He is known for creating the detective fiction genre with the character C. Auguste Dupin, who appeared in “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” The character became the inspiration to create others like Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie. He is also known as one of the first authors to demand a higher wage and income while publishing his stories.

While there may be a lot of speculation about Edgar Allan Poe’s life and death, no one can argue that Poe was one of the most genius and memorable writers in history.

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Pop Culture

How Marvel Shapes a Cinematic Universe

Why are Marvel movies so addictive? This article will explore the deep structure of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

We can think of the “cinematic universe” as a special kind of imaginary world. This is one of the key aspects for the creation of such cinematic universes and imaginary worlds, the artistic creation of fantasy films and fantasy literature. For example, the Middle-earth world in “The Lord of the Rings”, the wizarding world in “Harry Potter”, and the beneficent countries and boroughs in “The Hunger Games”, and even such a special land in “Game of Thrones”.

Game of Thrones

Every successful fantasy series provides audiences with a hypothetical world with clear logic, a complete worldview, and unique rules.

“You’ve become part of a bigger universe. You just don’t know it yet.” — Nick Fury

Elements of a Cinematic Universe

Compared to the imagination of literary creation, the art of film has more detailed requirements for the construction of a worldview. Since the 1960s, with the continuous development of the film industry and film technology, we can see that the construction of an imaginary worldview has become one of the increasingly important core features of the new Hollywood cinema.

More and more films are devoted to providing a rich and complete environment and background for the characters. In contrast to conventional narrative rules, the emphasis on setting and background serves the characters and the story.

How does the Marvel Cinematic Universe attract audiences?

Jas Deogan, explores how the MCU has systematically constructed a Cinematic Universe in an article. He outlined six steps:

  • Laying down the foundations
  • Connecting the dots
  • Expanding a universe
  • Shaking things up
  • The overarching vision
  • A vision brought to life
Twenty films deep in the franchise, Marvel still manages to create enjoyable content.

The creation of the Marvel film series has undoubtedly inherited this over-design of the series for the imaginary world, in which we can see more and more rich details about the Earth and the universe, which are revealed little by little in this series.

Composited image created by Zhu Liu

Such some details and worldview, it is not simply to serve the plot, but also to provide the audience with an unlimited imagination. Not only do viewers actively pursue and explore details of the art and worldview beyond the story itself in social media, but they also actively pursue each new film that emerges.

Before the release of “Avengers: Endgame” the audience was more enthusiastic about the simple few minutes of the pilot trailer than they were about the ending of the movie.

Avengers: Endgame became the highest-grossing film in the Marvel series. Info graphic created by Zhu Liu.

In fact, we can also see that it is also very careful about the placement of pop music.

It will insert the golden songs of different eras in some core passages of the movie so that the fans of different mediums can be more focused.

Another great tip for the Marvel Universe is its use of post – credits scene, including the production of various trailers. It not only requires the audience to passively enjoy the plot changes of the movie but also requires the audience to actively solve the mystery. Thus, in an invisible way, it also continues the vitality of this kind of movie universe.

Spencer Harrison, Arne Carlsen, and Miha Škerlavaj analyzed 338 interviews with producers, directors, and writers and 140 reviews from leading critics, and examined its network of actors and behind-the-scenes workers. They argue that Marvel’s success relies on four principles.

  • Choosing experienced inexperienced people
  • Leveraging a stable core
  • Constantly challenging the formula
  • Fostering customer curiosity.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an independent kingdom with complete spatial, symbolic, temporal, logical, and physical elements. This world not only supports each story and the superheroes in the story but also continues to nourish the variety of stories that precede and follow it. It has its own space and its own time, leaving a wealth of possibilities for the series.

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Pop Culture Rankings Uncategorized

Top 5 Avengers Salaries

Life is never complete without its challenges.

-Stan Lee

Have you ever wondered how much the MCU actors/actresses actually make? Who is the highest paid Avernger? Me too! So I figured that I would do the research for you instead. I have always been intrigued by the MCU along with all of their characters and I’ve always wondered how much they actually make. All/most of my information that I am using is from another source called IGN. If you are interested in the other Avenger characters that are not included here click the link to be transferred to their page for more information. I hope you enjoy finding out more information on MCU’s richest actors/actresses!

Number 1

Robert Downey Jr.- Iron Man

Downey was pulling in $75 million for 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, which is the most noteworthy netting film ever. Downey apparently rounded up $20 million in advance for Endgame and afterward an extra $55 million in a back-end bargain that gave him 8% of the film’s benefit.

Number 2

Chris Evans- Captian America

Evans made just 1 million for Captian America: The First Avenger,then when the “time heist” of the Avengers: Endgame, Evans was making $15 million for each Avengers showing.

Number 3

Scarlett Johansson- Black Widow

After Johansson appeared in Iron Man 2, Johansson reportedly earned $400,000. Before everything was settled, like Evans and Hemsworth, she was making $15 million an Avengers film. Now she’s expected to make around $20 million for Black Widow. Scarlett will reportedly be getting a pay raise according to We Got This Covered after her solo movie Black Widow will hit theaters in July making her one of the highest paid female actress in Hollywood.

Number 4

Chris Hemsworth- Thor

Hemsworth made $150,000 for 2011’s Thor but since then he has been making $15 million an MCU film since 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok.

Number 5

Mark Ruffalo- The Incredible Hulk

Mark Ruffalo replaced The Incredible Hulk’s Edward Norton as Bruce Banner in The Avenger and made around $2 to $3 million during that movie. Assuming Ruffalo made a lot more for Ragnarok, Infinity War, and Endgame but those numbers haven’t been reported. He may or may not have a similar deal to Hemsworth, Johansson, and Evans.
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Northwest Missouri State Pop Culture

Pros and Cons Of Greek Life

When people look at greek life on many campuses they see all the negative things we have heard about sororities and fraternities. They see the major news stories of hazing or the money people spend just to buy friends. What people don’t see from the outside is the lasting positive effects that greek life can have on campuses and people involved themselves. Greek life can have some cons, but the pros and good things that come out of it outweigh the cons every time. You will find some of the bad things about greek life are terrible and unforgivable. Not all greek life haze and bully their members. Before you judge based on blow up media, get to know the good things they do.

Greek Can Get A Bad Rap

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/04/29/bowling-green-hazing-death-fraternity-members-charged-stone-foltz/7398916002/

A big thing people talk about that always gets brought up when talking about greek life is hazing. This past year at Bowling Green State University during their “Big Brother Night” ( This is a tradition in almost every Greek organization) all the new members had to finish a handle of hard liquor before the night was over as part of a informal initiation. After the night one of the members was hospitalized after being found unconscious in his apartment and later died from alcohol poisoning. This is a huge problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Many groups including greek life have to deal with the problem of hazing. But when people think greek they thing of articles like this and movies that depict this type of hazing. It still happens a lot of places. Hazing is one of the major things a lot of organizations around the country are trying to fight. Including Northwest Missouri State University. We have a lot of anti-hazing rules in place. If the slightest event of hazing gets reported that chapter will have to go under investigation. We have even kicked organizations off campus due to hazing not quite as serious as death. So yes hazing is a thing all greek life has to fight against, but it shouldn’t be the sole reason to base your opinions of the organizations on.

Not All Negative Comes From Greek

This infographic shows the data of grades in the Greek organizations at NWMSU.

A lot of the time greeks are stereotyped as “dumb” or “they only came to party and not care about school”. When most times that isn’t true. Greek organizations pride themselves on the grades of their members. If your gpa or grades drop there are ways to help and get your grades up like mandatory study sessions and study hours. There are also incentives for getting and maintaining good grades.

Other Positives

http://cardinalpointsonline.com/greek-life-focuses-on-community-service-take-covid-19-precautions/

In the midst of the negative impacting the whole world, COVID-19. It’s s also been a major impact on Greek and their lives on campus. One thing kept constant is Community Service. The main goal of greek life is too give back. Organizations have main philanthropic parters that even through hard times have kept working to raise money and support even more now than ever.

Weighing out the Pros & Cons

After hazing events, like the Bowling Green one, greek moral is at a low. People lose faith in if greek life is actually right for them. Take it from college student themselves. Is Greek life worth it?

Northwest Greek Life

Think Again…

With seeing some major negatives compared with some positives, maybe take a deeper look next time you think about Greek Life. Bad things happen but that doesn’t mean we aren’t working to fix them everyday and bring our positives to the light.

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Other Pop Culture

You should take a break from your phone.

Photo by Tracy Le Blanc from Pexels

Social media isn’t as great as you might think

Social media and the internet is a blessing and a curse. It makes everyday life significantly easier, but has heavily impacted overall mental health in the past few years of its rise. Social media can lead to isolation, self absorption, self isolation, misrepresentation and much more by just taking part in posting, commenting and liking on a post. People are too obsessed over social media, the likes they get on a post and overall comparison to themselves and the people that they see on a screen and it is seriously affecting mental health in a negative way. Just over the past 15 years the amount of people who are taking part of social media has skyrocketed, and mental health diagnosis and problems have also soared with it. Taking a break from social media is important to mental health for a lot of people because for some it may be the source of quite a few problems in their lives. By taking these breaks away from your phone, it will help you get back into touch with the people, places and things around you that there might have been a disconnect from before taking that break. Though social media is overall helpful to the tasks in our everyday lives, taking a break and getting back in touch with everything around you is important. 

In this video, Bailey Parnell, social media expert, talks about her experience cutting off social media on a short four-day trip that she took with her sister. She explained her experience as anxiety-inducing, as someone who hadn’t taken a break from social media in multiple years. She was constantly connected, and when she took a break she started looking at it from an outside perspective

My life is social media: personally, professional and academically. If it’s doing this to me, what’s it doing to everyone else?”

Bailey Parnell, social media expert

She then goes into the rest of her TedTalk and talks about four main stressors of social media: the highlight reel, social currency, fear of missing out and online harassment.

The highlight reel is when people are comparing themselves to the best moments of everyone else’s lives through their highlights. This can lead to self inadequacy and comparison that can lead to negative mental health impacts like anxiety and depression.

Social currency is the value that we place and the value that people feel on something based on how many likes, comments and shares that something has. She called it “the economy of attention’ meaning that people have a transaction of value or attention from the social currency they acquire from posts. People can place their self worth on how many likes a post gets or how many comments people leave on a post. By equating self worth through social media, social currency plays a big part into how people feel about themselves on a day-to-day basis.

Fear of missing out, or FOMO, is an actual social anxiety that people face, especially on social media. It happens when someone sees that they are missing a connection, event or opportunity that they see others having.

Online harassment is something 40% of adults that are online have experienced. This is more likely based on how much more you speak out on controversial issues, or even if you are part of a marginalized group of people.

Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile from Pexels

McLean Hospital made a video on all-things social media and talked about the problems that are associated and ways to prevent those problems. They talked about the link between social media and mental health, and took questions from the audience on how to improve their mental health and other things that they can do to make sure they don’t have a disconnect from society because of their social media.

Dr. Lisa Coyne took questions from the audience and answered on question about how to limit their time on social media. They first started talking about how self-efficacy plays a huge part into being able to get off of social media. Lots of time, self worth comes from that social currency, so in order to feel confident in oneself, being on social media and getting those likes is important to the way that people view themselves. In order to get off of social media and be successful, self-efficacy needs to be priority to make sure that you are confident enough in yourself without the affirmations and positive comments from social media platforms.

This also plays a part in taking a break from social media. You don’t have to completely quit using your socials, but it is important to know when to put down the phone, log out of the socials, and take time for yourself to become more connected to the world around you. By having enough self-confidence, taking a break from social media, or reducing the time on the platforms, can become easier.

Sometimes you can feel like you’re living behind a screen and watch other people live their lives outside of their socials. Lawerence Robinson and Melinda Smith wrote about multiple different factors that play into everyday life when people are submerged into theirs and other’s social media platforms.

Though it seems like everyone is living their best lives, people mainly post the best moments of their life. When seeing these best moments, there can be a feeling of self-comparison like what was talked about earlier and that could dramatically affect the way that people see others and especially themselves. This leads to self-inadequacy and negative feelings about oneself which ultimately impacts mental health.

Isolation also plays a part in social media. Sometimes people can socially isolate themselves because they are socializing online rather than in person. By being constantly connected with people all over the world at any time of the day, people could lack feeling a need to socialize with other people in their day-to-day life.

Though we have talked about how social media can bring you down, sometimes it can build you up in a negative way. Sometimes with posting and letting everyone see parts of your life, self-absorption plays a part in how people view themselves. When you are basing your self worth on the social currency that you receive, you can have a high ego or obsess over the way that other people perceive you.

Take a breather…

There are multiple factors that play into our everyday lives that negatively impact our mental health, but social media is really one of the biggest ones. Take a break from it. Overall, social media is helpful, but can also hurt. by taking a break you can have a brief moment of relief of stressors that come on from social media. If you need more tips, there is a video to help you come up with more ideas. Remember, listen to yourself and take care of your mental well-being.

Categories
Civic and Social Responsibility Pop Culture

Meghan and Harry: Stepping Down

Introduction

My purpose in choosing this topic is to explain the important points of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s unprecedented exit from the royal family. I think many people in the United States do not understand how the British monarchy works, and therefore do not see the significance in Harry and Meghan’s leaving. Part of the reason the situation is difficult to understand is the amount of information surrounding it. Because of that, part of my purpose in this project was to compile and streamline the important information into a chronological timeline. The information below begins with a brief introduction to Prince Harry, Meghan and the monarchy. It then transitions into why the couple has chosen to leave. The middle of the article discusses the two major effects of their decision: financial implications and their change in title. Lastly, I included information about the public reaction in the United Kingdom, and how the media has fueled a negative reaction. My goal is that in reading this, people who have minimal knowledge on Prince Harry and Meghan’s recent decision are able to understand the general information, and why it is such a big deal to the British monarchy, and to the citizens of the United Kingdom.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in front of a background of half Los Angeles, half London
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have decided to leave their Royal duties in England and pursue a new life in Los Angeles

On May 19, 2018 the world watched as Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, married Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel. 599 days later on January 8, 2020, the couple took to Instagram to announce that they would be stepping down from their royal duties. The couple shared that they would be trading in the royal life for one of public and community service in Meghan’s hometown of Los Angeles, California. Thus ensued an unprecedented period of transition in which Meghan, Harry, and the rest of the family looked to determine what the step back would mean. The exit of the Sussexes is also an indication of how the long tradition of the British monarchy is being forced to evolve in modern times.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle waving to fans, leaving their wedding in a carriage
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle holding hands on the steps of St. George's chapel after their wedding
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrate their wedding

The Choice to Step Back

When Harry and Meghan first announced they would be stepping away from their work as royals, the primary question was: “why?”. The couple has maintained that the reason for the step back is for them to focus on themselves, and their son, Archie. In the year since the announcement, Prince Harry has more than once discussed how the media in the UK has negatively affected both his physical and mental health. He has stated on several occasions that while he is grateful for his experiences as a member of the royal family, the choice to leave is a way for him to protect his wife and child from the negative experiences he has had.

Meghan has also revealed some of her experiences since she joined the family. Like Prince Harry, she stated that the British media has a tendency to be cruel, harsh, and unrelenting. She has also stated that being accepted into the royal family was not an easy transition, and that there are still member of the extended family who do not accept her.

While the couple have shared some of their negative experiences about the royal life, they have also stated many times that they have no ill will towards the royal family. They still respect and support the Queen, Prince Harry still maintains his relationship with his brother William, and both hope to maintain those relationships in the future.

Listen to Prince Harry’s full speech following the initial announcement that he and Meghan would be stepping back as working members of the royal family. The speech is important because Harry explains their reasons for the exit, while also assuring viewers that he is not leaving on bad terms, nor is he leaving completely.

Financial Implications

From the time they announced their step back, one of Meghan and Harry’s primary goals was to become financially independent. As working members of the royal family, their travel, housing, and many other expenses are paid for by taxpayers. Just before their announcement, the couple spent 2.4 million in taxpayer dollars to renovate frogmore cottage, the home they were given after their wedding. As a part of their step back, Harry and Meghan repaid that money, and used their own means to purchase a new home in Los Angeles. Additionally, Meghan and Harry will are now responsible for their own travel and living expenses.

Read how Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Support Themselves

This article from the BBC explains how Meghan and Harry support themselves now that they are no longer paid as working royals. It explains where the couple gets their money, and what they are doing to continue supporting themselves financially. This article demonstrates how the couple is honestly working to separate themselves from the family, even when it creates instability or uncertainty.

Change in Title

In February of 2021, over a year after the couple’s original announcement, Queen Elizabeth announced changes to the couple’s titles:

  • Harry and Meghan would no longer be addressed as “His royal highness” or “Her royal highness”
  • The couple would be allowed to keep their titles “The Duke of Sussex” and “The Duchess of Sussex”
  • Harry will still be addressed as “Prince”, as it is his birthright
  • Harry and Meghan will give up their royal patronages. Patronages are honorary sponsorships of charities, military organizations, and public service groups
  • Harry would be stripped of his honorary military appointments
  • The couple would not be allowed to use the term “Royal” in any business dealings, events, or other personal endeavors

In her announcement, the Queen stated that the titles removed from Harry and Meghan would be redistributed amongst active working members of the royal family.

Read the Queen’s full statement on Meghan and Harry’s decision

The Buckingham Palace Statement is the official word on what will happen as a result of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step away from the royal family. It shows that the family, specifically the Queen, who is Harry’s grandmother, still accept the couple as a part of the family. However, the statement also shows that the Queen and her family have also chosen to preserve the tradition of the monarchy.

Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Prince William on the balcony of Buckingham Palace
Her majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, with other members of the royal family at the 2018 Trooping the Colour celebration

Public Reaction in the UK

Much of the public reaction in England and the UK was fueled by the British media. Several newspapers and broadcasts scrutinized the couple for abandoning a long established royal tradition. Many blamed it on Meghan Markle, criticizing her for making Harry leave his family and his duties to move to the United States. Prince Harry has consistently defended his wife, insisting that the decision was mutual, and attempting to justify his reasons for leaving. Despite all of his attempts to make peace with the media and the public, Prince Harry’s public approval rating has dropped significantly over the past year.

Daily Express tabloid with headline "Queen's Dismay as Harry and Meghan Step Back from Royal Life"
The Times newspaper with headline "Harry and Meghan quit roles amid Palace split"
Daily Mirror tabloid with headline "Worst Royal Crisis in 85 Years"

Newspapers and magazines all across the United Kingdom have fed into a negative public reaction to Prince Harry and Meghan’s exit. The couple have consistently claimed harsh treatment from the media as a reason for their step back.

In Conclusion

After reading this article, my goal is that readers are able to understand Prince Harry and Meghan’s situation. This topic is important because while it does not directly affect the people of the United States, it does affect the political climate that our country participates in. Additionally, it is an indication that the world is changing in the modern age, and long traditions like the British monarchy are having to adapt to fit the times. After reading this, I hope readers understand that Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision to leave the royal family is not out of dislike or for their own personal gain. The choice was made out of protection for themselves and their child, and the British press and the public have treated them quite harshly as a result.

Categories
Pop Culture

The DeLorean

"Back to the Future" movie cover. Marty wearing a mask and standing next to the DeLorean. Extra objects resemble year 2020.

Back to the Future is one my all-time favorite movies. My composite image shows how I related the movie title to the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Likewise, the image shows memorable topics from 2020 such as the killer bees and monoliths. Personally, I think Back to the Future relates to this past year because many people, including myself wish we didn’t have to go through the pandemic. I think this is important because some people use humor to get through hard situations. My composite image also had humor in that people probably don’t want to go back to 2020. Therefore, I think my image helped me look back at what we’ve been through and laugh, because of the series of misfortunes. Aside from the problems of 2020 in my composite image, I want to highlight one of my favorite parts from Back to the Future, the DeLorean. I think this car is even more interesting than some people know and believe.

The concept of time travel is a huge asset to the movie itself. Without the DeLorean, time travel wouldn’t be possible, which means the movie probably wouldn’t play out the same way. For example, the iconic car is known for being the car that transports Doc and Marty McFly through time. Since the DeLorean is one of my favorite parts of the movie, I decided to do further investigation into the idea, creation, and interesting facts about the car. Knowing more about the DeLorean will give other fans of the movie more knowledge about the “behind the scenes”. Then they can share the knowledge with their friends and family who might be on the verge of watching the movie or being fans. I think this will help people think differently and have a better understanding of the movie. Therefore, more people might give the movie a chance.  

The concept of time travel is a huge asset to the movie itself. Without the DeLorean, time travel wouldn’t be possible, which means the movie probably wouldn’t play out the same way. For example, the iconic car is known for being the car that transports Doc and Marty McFly through time. Since the DeLorean is one of my favorite parts of the movie, I decided to do further investigation into the idea, creation, and interesting facts about the car. Knowing more about the DeLorean will give other fans of the movie more knowledge about the “behind the scenes”. Then they can share the knowledge with their friends and family who might be on the verge of watching the movie or being fans. I think this will help people think differently and have a better understanding of the movie. Therefore, more people might give the movie a chance.  

Stainless steel DeLorean DMC-12 car with gullwing doors (doors open straight up). The car is sitting in front of a DMC shop.

According to “TheThings”, the famous car from the movie was actually created in 1980 and it was known as the DeLorean DMC-12. One of the most ironic parts of the movie is that the DeLorean can speed through time. However, realistically the car actually maxes out at about 85 miles per hour. Given the DeLorean’s gull-wing door, the car is extremely recognizable. Personally, I think this helps the futuristic goal of the movie. Thus, even if people don’t like the story, they might watch the movie solely for the futuristic characteristics such as the car. Interestingly, I learned that screenwriter, Bob Gale, didn’t want to use a Ford Mustang as the vehicle for time travel.

“Does Doc Brown look like the kind of guy who would drive a Ford Mustang? I’m sorry, no,” said Gale.

Although the DeLorean is stylish and futuristic, it wasn’t made very well. In fact, the car was made in Ireland by workers who were undertrained due to the high unemployment rate at the time. This is part of the reason why DMC filed for bankruptcy. Therefore, there were only 6,000 DMC-12 cars ever made. I think this is another reason why the car was so popular after the movie. The car became “rare” and people wanted to own one. Thus, whether someone was a fan of Back to the Future or not, the car stood out to people regardless.

Stainless steel and black new model of the DeLorean is sitting crooked on wet concrete pavement.

Interestingly, people can even rent one of the cars for special events. For people who really enjoy the car, but can’t get their hands on one…there is a new one in the making. For example, DeLorean Motor Company might go back into business. They’ve already produced 300 of the new cars.

All in all, I think “TheThings” summarized 20 interesting facts about the DeLorean that can be of interest to people who specifically just like the car or just like the movie altogether. As I mentioned earlier, this information is important because the movie is a classic in blockbuster filmmaking. In fact, the movie and car were so well thought of, the original DeLorean was kept at Universal Studios for 30 years before it was moved to a museum in Los Angeles.

The best part for fans of the DeLorean and the movie, is that companies can make and sell a perfect DMC-12 replica. However, this can be pretty costly. Another option is to build the DeLorean yourself. According to “Build the DeLorean” a subscription comes with plans, parts, and behind-the-scenes insights to everything you need to build a 1/8-scale replica. I think this helps people remember a different part of their life. Quite possibly better than what they’ve been through in the past year. Especially those who use humor, like I mentioned earlier. Enjoying the DeLorean, particularly on a small scale that they can create with their children or family members might bring them better memories.

1/8 scale of the DeLorean for sale!

The car replica was made under the supervision of Joe Walser, expert on all things related to the DeLorean time machine. Therefore, people can trust the accuracy of the details. This could make a great collectable, or children’s toy. The car could even be passed down to a child who shares the love of the DeLorean or Back to the Future.

Learn more about joe walser

Overall, I think these two sources help me show how the DeLorean can help intrigue new fans of the movie, take people back to a better time in their life, or build a relationship based on the love of the DeLorean and Back to the Future.

Categories
Pop Culture Rankings

My Top 5 Musicals

1. Chicago

https://open.spotify.com/track/3cGmUgp7hF5Eb8NyuEmtCA?si=e6a72e04b5ca4ad1

I like Chicago the most, Kander’s music and Ebb’s lyrics, combined with choreographer Bob Fosse. Chicago demonstrates not only a revolution in ideology, but also in its revolutionary music and choreography, illustrated through jazz sounds, innovative rhythms, and witty lyrics.

2.Grease

https://open.spotify.com/track/6X1D6qbVmK48uoOD9nIvVV?si=3770a26914d94ad0

Before “Grease” became a movie-musical sensation in the late 1970s, it was a Tony-nominated Broadway musical that opened in February 1972. Additionally, in 2016, Fox aired its “Grease Live!” television special, based on the musical, starring Aaron Tveit, Julianne Hough, Vanessa Hudgens, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Keke Palmer.

3. Cats

https://open.spotify.com/track/1pEeWKbTCtRsjtyG9Jxp7L?si=5a80f9d8ffda4782

“Cats” is the first musical I watched, and it was the musical that got me into musical theater. The exaggerated makeup and vivid physical performance of the actors captivated me. This is definitely a musical worth going into the theater to watch.

4. Rent

https://open.spotify.com/track/5gw8HNcrqliEw0X6pPrPvG?si=b01775b692d5456e

“Rent” moved to Broadway and went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical that year. It was a piece about difference and people ‘going against the grain’. With Angel (one of the characters), the musical plants the seeds of transgender activism, which is a full-blown movement today as well as overall LGBTQ awareness.

5. Hairspray

https://open.spotify.com/track/6eUBS5Usu8k9YKaYTnvFbo?si=1168685677e843b3

What makes Hairspray so unique as a musical production is that it’s originally based on a 1988 film by John Waters, yet it takes place in the 1960’s — hence, the song title “Welcome To The 60’s” — before making its Broadway debut in 2002. Hairspray is still captivating audiences with its culturally relevant themes and inspiration.

Categories
Pop Culture Rankings

My Top 5 Musicals

There are many musicals that have been produced over the years. Most people would say that when they think of the word “musical” they think of High School Musical or yet another Disney movie that includes a variety of songs. While all of those movies are well and good, I decided to list my own top five real musical productions.

1. Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen is my favorite musical of all time. It is about Evan Hansen (played by Ben Platt) who recently has broken his arm. He lives with his mom, who is a single mother and a nurse. Evan is a socially awkward and anxious person, so his therapist suggests to write encouraging letters to himself. As Evan is printing off one of these letters in his high school’s computer lab, Connor Murphy (played by Colton Ryan) runs into the computer lab and sees the letter. The letter mentions Evan’s crush on Connor’s sister, Zoe (played by Kaitlyn Dever). Believing that he is being teased, Connor leaves the lab with the letter in his fist. He later commits suicide, while still gripping the letter.

Evan finds himself in a situation where Connor’s family believes that Evan was Connor’s only real friend in the world. Evan creates a web page in Connor’s name, and feels as though he’s been accepted into a “real” family, even having a moment with Zoe’s father in the song, “To Break in a Glove.” In short the musical covers topics from suicide, to mental illness, to what makes a family, and how to find others when you feel alone in the world.

I highly highly recommend you give it a listen.

2. Alexander Hamilton

It’s no surprise that Alexander Hamilton is on this list. Besides the rhythmic lyrics, pop, and rap songs, the musical is known for having one of the most diverse casts in the world of musicals. The song, “Satisfied” has been played about a million times or more on Spotify, making it the most popular song in the musical.

Alexander Hamilton, is well, about Alexander Hamilton (played by Lin-Manuel Miranda), one of America’s founding fathers. It follows his life from when he was an immigrant coming to New York City and includes some of his childhood in the song “Alexander Hamilton,” to his death, when he was shot by Aaron Burr (Leslie Odom Jr.). The musical includes dates, places, and makes the historical figures come to life in dance and song. This musical can and will help the American Revolution be more memorable to you for that history test you haven’t studied for.

If that doesn’t spark your interest, I don’t know what will.

3. The Newsies

You’re probably thinking, “Hang on, wait a minute. Isn’t The Newsies a Disney production? Wouldn’t this be just another High School Musical?” And to that I say, yes The Newsies is a Disney production, however, this musical is as far from the cheesiness of any other Disney movie, such as High School Musical.

The Newsies was the first major musical production I ever heard. I will admit, I did watch the movie version first, with Christian Bale as the lead (isn’t that guy Batman, anyway?). Then I found the beautiful Broadway version, and in my personal opinion, it is so much better.

The Newsies follows a young man, Jack Kelly (Jeremy Jordan) through the streets of 1899 New York City. At that time, boys and young men who were orphaned and poor sold newspapers to make some money. This earned them the name “newsies.” Unfortunately, the newsies would have to pay for the newspapers that they took to sell and make up the difference in wages on their own. This gives Joseph Pullitzer (John Dosett) an unfair advantage when he decides to raise the price the newsies pay for his newspapers in order to make more money. This infuriates Jack, who persuades his friends into having a strike against Pullitzer. The musical includes colorful characters, a love story, and an encouraging plot that lifts up the underdogs.

If you get a chance to watch it on a streaming service, such as Netflix, I highly suggest you do so. The creative and complicated dance moves, such as the tap dancing in “King of New York,” will knock your socks right off. And maybe a shoe.

4. Hadestown

Hadestown is a treasure that I stumbled upon a couple years ago. I was on YouTube watching little animations when a suggestion for an animated “Wait for Me” popped up. The title intrigued me, as did the animation style, and my life was never the same.

Do you like the southern style? Are you interested in Greek mythology? If you answered yes to both of those questions, this is the musical for you. Hadestown focuses on a retelling of the Greek tale “Orpheus and Eurydice.” Hermes is the narrator here and he opens up with a wedding between Orpheus and Eurydice. Persephone is among them as a wedding guest, and she is living her best life “up on top.” In this musical, Hadestown refers to a railroad town (ironically) six feet under the ground. The people there work to build a wall and electricity for the rest of their lives, having a way to secure themselves also for the rest of their lives.

When the train from Hadestown arrives to pick up Persephone in the song “Way Down Hadestown,” she speaks her unhappiness very clearly. It even goes over to the next couple of songs, in which she and Hades argue about Hadestown. Hades decides that if Persephone won’t appreciate his work, someone else will.

He finds a just-married Eurydice in the forest. In the song, “Hey Little Songbird,” Hades gives Eurydice the option of joining Hadestown and having security all of her life. The choice is easy for Eurydice because even though she loves Orpheus, he has not made much money to keep her warm, to feed her, or to take care of her. Instead, he only sings songs. She agrees to go to Hadestown, and the Fates warn the audience not to judge her for it in “Gone, I’m Gone.”

In “Wait For Me,” which is my favorite song of this musical, Orpheus goes after his love, and hopes he can bring her back. I won’t give away any spoilers, but those of you who are Greek mythology lovers already know.

The original cast recording is available on Spotify (wink, wink, nudge, nudge.)

5. Be More Chill

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my final musical, Be More Chill. This one might actually be underrated and even though it is last on this list, it certainly is not least.

This humorous musical follows a high school boy named Jeremy Heere (Will Connolly) and his best friend, Michael (George Salazar). Jeremy believes that high school is a nightmare (which, yeah it is) and sometimes he wishes he could be a cool kid, or more chill, as he calls it. He signs up for a school play during lunch because his crush, Christine (Stephanie Hsu and Katie Ladner) signed up for it. He wants to admit his feelings for her, but can’t seem to do so.

Not long after this, he has a strange encounter with his bully, Rich. Rich explains to him of a “Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor” or S.Q.U.I.P. that he implanted in his brain that tells him what to do and how to (you guessed it) be more chill. Jeremy agrees to this, even though he has to pay six hundred dollars for it. After he hands the money to Rich at the mall, Rich gives him a pill that he has to swallow with regular Mountain Dew in order to activate it. It takes a little bit, but the S.Q.U.IP. becomes active in Jeremy’s system just before he tells Christine about his crush on her.

The musical gets as chaotic from there as Jeremy listens and interacts with something he can only hear and acknowledge. He makes decisions based on the S.Q.U.I.P.’s advice, which you probably guessed, is no good.

Be More Chill hilariously brings up a way to discuss mental illness, the pressure of high school, and even being a true best friend.

Don’t leave this musical on your list of what to listen next.

Categories
Pop Culture Rankings

Top 5 Melissa McCarthy Movies

Melissa McCarthy is one of my favorite actresses. I have put together a list of my top five favorite Melissa McCarthy movies.

5. Spy

Spy came out in 2015. In this film Melissa McCarthy plays Susan Cooper, a CIA analyst working with an agent on missions. When he is assassinated she makes her way into going out on a mission to avenge her fellow agent. I enjoyed this movie because of all the disguises she tries to go under and they are just not fitting her personality.

4. Life of the Party

Life of the Party came out in 2018. Melissa McCarthy plays Deanna a mom of a college daughter and a wife of of her long time love. When she gets news that her husband wants a divorce, she makes the decision to back to college. This movie had me dead with laughter. She is so energetic and excited about going to school with her daughter. She really is the life of the party! It’s funny and awkward at times, but I love it.

3. The Heat

The heat came out in came out in 2013. Melissa McCarthy plays Shannon a potty mouth hot-headed detective. She teams up with Sandra Bullock who plays FBI agent Sarah, who is a polar opposite of Shannon. The two of them work together to take down a drug lord, and overtime become good friends. I love how Sandra Bullock is such a know it all and thinks she can do anything on her own, but with the help of a freaking crazy detective they take down a drug lord.

2. Tammy

Tammy came out in 2014. Melissa McCarthy plays Tammy a burger joint worker who’s life is suddenly falling apart. Her and her grandma Pearl take a road trip to get away from the mess at home. I love the relationship that Tammy has with her grandma, and the crazy adventure they go on. My personal favorite part is where they are singing together.

1. Identity Thief

Identity Thief came out in 2013. Melissa McCarthy plays Diana an identity thief who loves to spend money on all things. When she steels the identity of a man in Denver, Sandy, he goes to Florida to bring her back to clear his name. I love this movie! I enjoy every time that Diana throat punches people and how she makes him a little more relaxed.