Part 8 delves into philosophical and surreal themes, offering profound insights into human civilization, life, and death. Mellonta Tauta and The Colloquy of Monos and Una feature philosophical dialogues set in futuristic or posthumous contexts. The Oblong Box and Loss of Breath combine mystery with elements of the surreal and macabre. The Power of Words explores the essence of language and creation, while Shadow?A Parable symbolically portrays death and solitude. This section showcases Poe’s deep philosophical reflections and literary depth through an array of imaginative narratives.

MELLONTA TAUTA
TO THE EDITORS OF THE LADY’S BOOK:
ON BOARD BALLOON “SKYLARK”
THE DUC DE L’OMELETTE
THE OBLONG BOX
LOSS OF BREATH
THE MAN THAT WAS USED UP
A TALE OF THE LATE BUGABOO AND KICKAPOO CAMPAIGN.a
THE BUSINESS MAN
THE LANDSCAPE GARDEN
MAELZEL’S CHESS-PLAYER
THE POWER OF WORDS
THE COLLOQUY OF MONOS AND UNA
THE CONVERSATION OF EIROS AND CHARMION
SHADOW?A PARABLE