The Raven
Death. A strong topic, frequently but solemnly discussed. However, when I read Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”, I was immediately captivated by the new angle brought to my attention regarding death. While the topic of death is usually associated with either sympathy or horror, Poe succeeded in portraying a feeling caught between the two; and at the same time bringing forth new feelings I would never thought to consider regarding death. These feelings reflect a sorrow so deep it morphs into a psychological madness, a feeling that the pain death brings has ruined one forever. After analyzing this poem I came to the conclusion that Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” demonstrates that the sorrow the death of a loved one brings will stay with you forever. Poe communicated this theme through abstract language & connotation, tone, and allusion.
I would like to start off by showing how Edgar Allan Poe has communicated this thesis through the use of abstract language and connotation. An abstract phrase repeated throughout the poem is the word ‘nevermore’ combined with different phrases depending on each stanza. This word can have countless meanings, but ultimately what Poe is trying to prove is that his loved one is lost forever, to return never again; nevermore. This takes us back to my original thesis, about how death will leave you affected forever, because by the use of the word ‘nevermore’ you directly connect it to forever, its contrary. Therefore, if you will nevermore see your loved one, you are left with a sorrow forever. Here is another abstract example from the poem to better explain myself: “Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore!’ Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.’” Quite a transcendental phrase, and while the denotation is: drink this medicine, and forget Lenore; the connotation shows the medicine as a symbol, that he wants to free himself from the pain of the lost Lenore. Furthermore, the raven responding is what I believe is actually his
I would like to start off by showing how Edgar Allan Poe has communicated this thesis through the use of abstract language and connotation. An abstract phrase repeated throughout the poem is the word ‘nevermore’ combined with different phrases depending on each stanza. This word can have countless meanings, but ultimately what Poe is trying to prove is that his loved one is lost forever, to return never again; nevermore. This takes us back to my original thesis, about how death will leave you affected forever, because by the use of the word ‘nevermore’ you directly connect it to forever, its contrary. Therefore, if you will nevermore see your loved one, you are left with a sorrow forever. Here is another abstract example from the poem to better explain myself: “Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore!’ Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.’” Quite a transcendental phrase, and while the denotation is: drink this medicine, and forget Lenore; the connotation shows the medicine as a symbol, that he wants to free himself from the pain of the lost Lenore. Furthermore, the raven responding is what I believe is actually his