Poe prided himself on the variety of his subjects. This is his only tale that can possibly be read as a simple happy love story. Probably because of its superficial comedy — reminiscent of “Lionizing” — it has been more popular with ordinary readers than with professed critics. “You hard-hearted, dunder-headed, obstinate, rusty, crusty, musty, fusty, old savage!” said I in fancy, one afternoon, to my grand uncle Rumgudgeon — shaking my fist at him in imagination.