Morella is a short story in the Gothic horror genre. It was first published in the April 1835 issue of the Southern Literary Messenger, and a revised version was reprinted in the November 1839 issue of Burton's Gentleman's Magazine. The first publication included a 16-line poem of Poe's called Hymn sung by Morella, later published as a stand-alone poem, A Catholic Hymn. There are a number of possible origins for the name "Morella". It is the name of the Venerable Mother Juliana Morell, who was the fourth Grace and Tenth Muse in a poem by poet Lope de Vega. "Morel" is the name of black nightshade, a poisonous weed related to one from which the drug belladonna is derived. An unnamed narrator begins the story by explaining his strange relationship with a woman named Morella. He admits to feeling no love or passion from this woman but is attracted to her because of her erudition; she is well-read, intelligent, and thoughtful. He writes: ''Her powers of mind were gigantic.'' Morella is both his wife and his tutor. She studied German literature and philosophy at Presburg. Morella falls ill from a mysterious disease. She tells her husband that she knows he doesn't love her, and he will regret it after she is dead. At her moment of death, the narrator reveals that Morella had secretly been pregnant, and she gives birth on the spot. The narrator, now a father and widower, watches his baby daughter develop at a remarkable rate. You can listen online to free English audiobook “Morella” by Edgar Allan Poe on our website. Enjoy it!
