Analyzing Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven'
1) Do some quick research on ravens. What symbolic meanings, both positive and negative, do ravens have in various cultures? This MUST be in your own words - don't copy and paste it from the web.
Ravens are mostly thought of in culturally as intelligent animals who symbolize the mind, thought, and wisdom of light. They are even heroes in some tribes in some Native American cultures; but, they also symbolize negativity. In Middle Eastern and Christian cultures, ravens represent impurity, darkness, and destruction.
2) Why might Poe have chosen to use a raven in this particular poem rather than a different bird? In other words, how is a raven more appropriate to the content and theme of this poem? The raven in this poem represented sorrow, …show more content…
Provide a thorough explanation. In gothic poetry, there is often sadness, mystery, terror, or darkness illustrated. Throughout this poem, there is a mysterious mood about who Poe’s true visitor was. The speaker also displayed a intense sense of sadness from his lost; along with an empty tone. Therefore, this poem is looked at as gothic.
5) Do you think this poem is supposed to be funny? Do you find the speaker's tale intense and dramatic, or ridiculous and over-the-top? Explain your answer. I actually don’t think that the poem is meant to be funny, based on the context. I would have to describe it as intense and dramatic; throughout the poem, I kept predicting and wondering what was next.
6) Do you talk to animals? Do you ever imagine them saying something back? Yes, I actually talk to animals. When they have certain expressions, I imagine the things that they would say at that
Ravens are mostly thought of in culturally as intelligent animals who symbolize the mind, thought, and wisdom of light. They are even heroes in some tribes in some Native American cultures; but, they also symbolize negativity. In Middle Eastern and Christian cultures, ravens represent impurity, darkness, and destruction.
2) Why might Poe have chosen to use a raven in this particular poem rather than a different bird? In other words, how is a raven more appropriate to the content and theme of this poem? The raven in this poem represented sorrow, …show more content…
Provide a thorough explanation. In gothic poetry, there is often sadness, mystery, terror, or darkness illustrated. Throughout this poem, there is a mysterious mood about who Poe’s true visitor was. The speaker also displayed a intense sense of sadness from his lost; along with an empty tone. Therefore, this poem is looked at as gothic.
5) Do you think this poem is supposed to be funny? Do you find the speaker's tale intense and dramatic, or ridiculous and over-the-top? Explain your answer. I actually don’t think that the poem is meant to be funny, based on the context. I would have to describe it as intense and dramatic; throughout the poem, I kept predicting and wondering what was next.
6) Do you talk to animals? Do you ever imagine them saying something back? Yes, I actually talk to animals. When they have certain expressions, I imagine the things that they would say at that