The story "Ligeia- by Edgar Allan Poe emphasizes how the narrator longs for his deceased first wife, the Lady Ligeia, whom he thinks was the most elegant person on earth: "Ligeia, the beloved, the august, the beautiful-(814). He then expresses his contempt for his second wife, the Lady Rowena, whom he loathes "with a hatred belonging more a demon than a man-(814). Rowena too is dying, but she suddenly appears to recover and is transformed into Ligeia in the eyes of the narrator. Whether or not this change actually occurs, the opium, the atmosphere of the room, and the man's passion for Ligeia certainly affect his perception.
The narrator's sedative greatly reduces his ability to control his thoughts. In fact, he admits being "wild with the excitement of an immoderate dose of opium- (815). Since he is "habitually fettered in the shackles of the drug- (815), he sees "Wild visions, opium-engendered- (816) and cannot determine reality from his world of imagination.
The décor of the bridal chamber he has erected has a deathly sense to it. In each corner are " tombs of the kings over against Luxor- (813). The " tapestry [is] of a material. . . found alike as a carpet on the floor- (813). Hanging from the vaulted ceiling is " a huge censer. . . so contrived. . . as if endued with a serpent vitality- (813). "The phantasmagoric effect. . . heightened by . . . a strong current of wind behind the draperies- (814) produces "a hideous and uneasy animation of the whole- (814). Clearly, such an environment leaves the narrator in a state of terror.
The narrator's affection for Ligeia is the most essential reason why he believes Lady Rowena evolved into Lady Ligeia. "Then rushed upon me a thousand memories of Ligeia- (816). The narrator especially loved " those eyes! those large, those shining, those divine orbs- (808). It is plainly seen that the narrator's passion for the Lady Ligeia is the ultimate reason why he believes the Lady Rowena is transformed into the Lady Ligeia.