In "The Raven," how does the introduction of the bird contribute to the poem's theme that desperation can lead to mental instability?

Question

In "The Raven," how does the introduction of the bird contribute to the poem's theme that desperation can lead to mental instability?

Responses

The speaker believes that the bird answers his questions.
The speaker believes that the bird answers his questions.

The speaker understands that Lenore sent the bird to visit him.
The speaker understands that Lenore sent the bird to visit him.

The speaker thinks the bird is a ancient god sent to comfort him.
The speaker thinks the bird is a ancient god sent to comfort him.

The speaker believes that the bird is a reincarnation of Lenore.
The speaker believes that the bird is a reincarnation of Lenore.

Answer 1

The introduction of the bird in "The Raven" contributes to the poem's theme of desperation leading to mental instability by showing how the speaker becomes increasingly fixated on the bird as it perches above his chamber door and begins to speak. The speaker's desperate desire for answers and comfort leads him to assign supernatural significance to the bird, believing it to be a messenger from the afterlife or a wise prophet. This intense focus on the bird and its presence in the room illustrates how the speaker's desperation and grief have caused him to lose touch with reality, ultimately descending into madness.