Final answer:
Biblical allusions to angels and demons in the poem 'Annabel Lee' highlight the spiritual intensity and depth of the speaker's emotions, reflecting the duality of love and loss. These references serve to elevate the narrative and provide a greater resonance by tapping into shared cultural symbols.
Step-by-step explanation:
The biblical allusions to both angels and demons in the poem Annabel Lee suggest a complex interplay between spiritual elements and human emotion. Such references often indicate a struggle between good and evil, purity and corruption, or love and hate. In this poem, the speaker may be expressing deep feelings of love, perhaps considered divine like the angels, and confronting sorrow or loss, which could be associated with the evil or suffering represented by demons. The contrast between these celestial beings could symbolize the intense emotions the speaker feels regarding the subject of the poem, Annabel Lee.
Using allusions allows the speaker to elevate the narrative from a simple tale of love to an epic, almost spiritual experience. For example, comparing a lost love to a sainted maiden "whom the angels named Lenore" in verse, implies a purity and reverence for the beloved that transcends earthly existence. Moreover, that the heavenly creatures are interested in the affairs of the lovers hints at a love so powerful and significant that it echoes in the spiritual realms.
Furthermore, the idea that there is something sinister or destructive like demons or evil thoughts, could reflect the inner turmoil of the speaker. The presence of such malevolent forces possibly indicates obstacles or opposition that the love between the speaker and Annabel Lee faced, or perhaps the speaker's own grappling with despair and darkness after her loss.
Allusions to the Bible not only enrich the thematic texture of a poem but also create a resonance that taps into shared cultural knowledge and adds layers of meaning. When poetry uses these tools effectively, it allows readers to explore the depths of human experience through the lens of familiar spiritual symbols, creating a more profound understanding of the emotions and messages conveyed.