Select a different story or poem from this unit. Identify a literary element in the chosen selection such as tone, imagery, or symbolism. Explain how the events and /or ideas in the story and/or poem exhibit tone, imagery, or symbolism. Include at least two supporting details or examples. Be sure to include the title of the selection and the author.
h
Title: "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
Literary Element: Symbolism
"The Raven" is a renowned poem that showcases the use of symbolism. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the titular raven itself. The raven, a bird often associated with death and mourning, represents the protagonist's grief and the narrator's descent into madness.
Firstly, the continuous repetition of the word "nevermore" uttered by the raven symbolizes the narrator's increasing despair and his inability to escape his sorrow for the lost Lenore. The word "nevermore," when repeated throughout the poem, takes on a menacing tone, reminding the narrator of his loss and preventing him from finding peace.
Secondly, the raven's arrival at the window of the narrator's chamber symbolizes the intrusion of death and mortality into the narrator's already tormented existence. As the raven perches upon the bust of Pallas, the Greek goddess of wisdom, it provides a stark contrast between wisdom and the inevitability of death. This contrast emphasizes the narrator's despair and hopelessness in the face of his loss.
Furthermore, the persistent darkness and gloom described throughout the poem create a somber and eerie atmosphere. Imagery, particularly visual imagery, is skillfully employed to intensify the symbolic elements. For example, the line "And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain" creates a vivid image that adds to the overall tone of melancholy and despair. The imagery of the "bust of Pallas" also reinforces the theme of wisdom and the clash with mortality.
In conclusion, "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe demonstrates the effective use of symbolism to convey the narrator's grief and descent into madness. The symbol of the raven, along with supporting imagery, creates a haunting atmosphere and adds depth to the emotions and ideas explored within the poem.