the raven

             Few American authors have obtained the level of popularity that Edgar Allen Poe has risen to. This popularity and his trademark macabre writing style have made some of his literary works such as The Raven a long-time classic in literature. This work in particular, exhibits some characteristics of folklore. Folklore has long been associated with oral passage, custom-related themes and unknown authors; however, I believe that there are exceptions to the typical definition and that almost all literary works, old and new, have at least a trace element of folklore contained within them.
             The Raven is a poem that, which at first glance depicts a man reading a book (about "forgotten lore") in his bedroom late at night that seems to be on the edge of sanity. After a series of tappings at his bedroom door he later finds a bird perched above his door. He asks the bird several questions, all of which are answered with, "nevermore." After reading the poem carefully it is apparent that the man is mourning over his beloved Lenore. The man believes the raven will end his sorrow, "respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore." (Nepenthe is a reference from The Odyssey of a drug that prevents grief) In the end the bird ends up robbing the man of his hope, "And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor shall be lifted – nevermore!"
             There are several superstitious references throughout the poem, the first and most obvious is the raven. The raven can also be classified as a myth or legend - the taker of souls and deliverer of death. The raven has long been associated with both evil and death. Why would Poe choose a raven as the messenger of nevermore? I believe the bird was chosen because of its ability to fly and ascend into the heavens and its legendary status as a "soul taker." Poe writes, "And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my sou...

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the raven. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 11:14, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/46761.html