Text: Henry Edward Cain, “Conclusion,” The Poe-Mangan Question (1929), pp. 92-95

[page 92:]

Primarily this work was designed to accomplish certain ends which are outlined in the concluding paragraph of the introductory chapter. Hence a recapitulation will first be made with a view to determining to what extent this thesis has accomplished its ends.

We have seen that Mangan exhibited all the symptoms of that class of persons whom psychopaths call dipsomaniacs, and that Edgar Allan Poe was also a dipsomaniac. This fact accounts for many of the resemblances, in fact all of the important resemblances, between the two men. Also it has been pointed out that, in this light, certain critics went beyond the pale of prudence in likening Mangan to Poe. It was further shown that, while there are some resemblances of form and rhythm in their verse, the poetry of Poe as a whole differs in its essential nature from that of Mangan.

In addition, it has been seen that Mangan was a brilliant genius, precocious and richly gifted. He was perhaps as fine an original genius as Poe; yet Poe rose considerably above Mangan in the matter of poetic conception and artistic execution. In imaginative power, we venture to assert, Mangan was the peer of Poe.

Mangan achieved surpassing excellence as a student and translator of German poetry. In the years prior to the publication of his translations there had been in Ireland a growing interest in German culture and learning. Mangan, influenced by this, set out with the avowed purpose of arousing a wide and deep interest in German poetry. This he claims to have done, and this is attested to by the popularity which his translations enjoyed in his native land. Thus Mangan became the first spokesman of German lyricism in Ireland. It has been noted that he had an interest in philological studies, that he was acquainted with at least five languages, and that he was master of German and his native tongue.

Broadly, the evidence contained in the pages of this thesis supporting the foregoing statements is offered in fulfilment of the purpose of the work. However, in the course of the investigation, certain other facts have come to light. It has been seen that Poe, on his father's side, was of Irish descent; but that he was not related to Mangan. It has also been seen that despite poor environment and a serious lack of academic training, Mangan, by almost [page 93:] constant devotion to books, filled his mind with a ready and wide knowledge. Mangan began to produce poetry as early as his sixteenth year. In connection with the disease with which Mangan was afflicted, it was observed that, though he made use of alcohol and opium, he was not a drunkard or an opium eater in the commonly accepted sense of the terms. Also in this connection, it was noted that Mangan displayed a dual personality. It does not appear that Mangan became unduly despondent after his much-discussed love affair, and it does not seem that the romance brought upon him so many evil consequences as has been alleged. With regard to Mangan's use of the refrain and certain peculiar rime schemes, it appears that he was influenced much by the German poets whom he translated. The statement that Poe was a student of Mangan has no foundation in fact. The evidence rather indicates that neither poet was influenced by the other. Apart from some similarities in the technique of the two men, there is no direct or indirect evidence to support the contention that one influenced the other. On the other hand, it has been pointed out that both men had a common source in Coleridge, and that both were ardent students of Byron.

In addition, other details of a minor character have come to the surface; but references to these are included in the recapitulations made at the end of the several chapters, and it is not deemed necessary to repeat them here.

In conclusion, let it be said that Mangan's poetry deserves a better fate than it has met. It rings nobly and melodiously. Its pathos is worthy of the tender heart that bore it; its art is eloquent of the genius that conceived it.