The Persistent Cough of Mr. Poe in A Series of Unfortunate Events: A Deep Dive

A Series of Unfortunate Events, penned by Lemony Snicket, is a captivating series that delves into the lives of the Baudelaire orphans, yet amidst the chaos and mystery, a recurring character element stands out: the constant coughing of Mr. Poe, the banker. This article will explore the significance of Mr. Poe's coughing, examining its role in characterization, symbolism, and humor.

Characterization and Employee Duties

When considering the recurring cough of Mr. Poe, his financial role at Mulchington Money Management Company serves as a crucial point of reference. Mr. Poe’s coughing can be seen as a manifestation of his incompetence, a reflection of his lifelong diligence in handling money, and a sign of the dirt and germs that accumulate on banknotes, a reality that would constantly irritate his lungs.

Malpractice and Incompetence

Mr. Poe’s constant coughing might also symbolize the negligence and inattentiveness of an adult who fails to protect the Baudelaire orphans. When the orphans request Mr. Poe to move them away from Count Olaf, he starts coughing, indicating his reluctance or inability to assist. This coughing fits into the theme of neglect and incompetence, suggesting that Mr. Poe does not have the resources or desire to protect the Baudelaire orphans.

Symbolism and Absurdity

The cough can also be interpreted as a symbol of the moral and ethical corruption found in the adult world. Lemony Snicket’s series is rife with hypocrisy and failure, and Mr. Poe’s cough represents a physical manifestation of the corruption and moral failing within the financial sector.

Furthermore, the coughing can add a layer of dark humor to the narrative, fitting the series’ overall tone. It emphasizes the absurd and tragic nature of the Baudelaire orphans’ situation and the ineffectiveness of the adults around them. The unhelpful response to the children’s requests, as seen in the constant coughing, underscores the larger theme of neglect and incompetence that runs throughout the series.

Conspiratorial Theories

Speculation about Mr. Poe’s true intentions adds another layer of intrigue to his character. Some theories suggest that Mr. Poe might be secretly working for Count Olaf, manipulating the Baudelaire orphans to his advantage. This idea, while speculative, is not far-fetched given Mr. Poe’s numerous failures to help the orphans escape Count Olaf’s clutches. His coughing fits during such moments could be a conscious attempt to avoid answering their calls or pretending to have forgotten their conversation.

The renaming Theory

Some have even speculated that Mr. Poe’s name – a play on Edgar Allan Poe, a famous poet who died of tuberculosis – might suggest that he too could be suffering from a form of tuberculosis, a cough that could be indicative of a more sinister plan within the narrative.

Conclusion

The persistent cough of Mr. Poe in A Series of Unfortunate Events is a multifaceted element that serves various purposes. It characterizes him as an incompetent and negligent adult, symbolizes the moral and ethical corruption of the adult world, and adds a layer of dark humor to the narrative. His coughing fits not only fit the overall tone of the series but also raise intriguing questions about his true intentions, making him a vital character to observe and analyze in the context of the entire series.