View source for Never Bet the Devil Your Head (Poe)

{{written by AI}}

{{Summary
| Title = Never Bet the Devil Your Head
| Author = Edgar Allan Poe
| Literary form = short story
| Year of publication = 1841
| Microsummary = A man's friend developed a habit of betting the Devil his head, leading to his demise when he attempted to jump over a turnstile and lost his head, which was then claimed by the Devil.
}}

{{Start of text}}

A man named Toby Dammit was known for his bad habits and vices, which were attributed to his mother's left-handedness. As a child, he was constantly punished by his mother, but her left-handed beatings only seemed to make him worse. As he grew older, his vices increased, and he developed a habit of making bets on everything, often saying, "I'll bet the Devil my head."

{{Character
| Name = Toby Dammit
| Description = narrator's friend; reckless, impulsive, and addicted to betting; ultimately loses his head
| Emoji = 🚴🏻‍♂️
}}

One day, the narrator and Dammit went for a walk and came across a bridge with a turnstile. Dammit insisted on leaping over the turnstile, and the narrator, doubting his ability, called him a braggart. Dammit then offered to bet the Devil his head that he could do it.

{{Quote
| Text = I'll bet the Devil my head.
| Context = This quote is a recurring phrase used by Toby Dammit throughout the story, representing his reckless and impulsive nature, which ultimately leads to his demise.
}}

As they prepared for the leap, a little old gentleman appeared and agreed to the bet, saying it was just a formality.

{{Character
| Name = The Old Gentleman
| Description = mysterious figure who claims Toby's head; appears benevolent but has sinister intentions
| Emoji = 👴🏻
}}

Dammit attempted the leap, but instead of clearing the turnstile, he landed on the same side he started from, having collided with a horizontal iron bar above the turnstile. The old gentleman quickly grabbed Dammit's severed head and disappeared. The narrator, realizing the seriousness of the situation, took Dammit home and called for medical help.

{{Character
| Name = The Narrator
| Description = narrator; concerned for his friend's well-being; moralistic
| Emoji = 👨🏻
}}

Unfortunately, Dammit did not survive his injury, and the narrator mourned his friend's death. He sent a bill for the funeral expenses to a group of transcendentalists, who refused to pay. In response, the narrator had Dammit's body exhumed and sold for dog meat.


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