In "The Philosophy of Composition," Edgar Allan Poe explains many of his literary strategies. One of the things he reveals is how he was able to create contrast in the portrayal of the bird in "The Raven." He explains that when the raven first appears at the chamber door, his appearance is almost comical. The protagonist is scared of the noise, but it turns out to be only a raven. However, the tone changes from comical to ominous as the bird begins to talk and only repeats the word "nevermore."