Final answer:
The theme in Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven' is implicit, as it is conveyed through symbolism and the mood rather than being directly stated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" is generally considered to be implicit. An implicit theme is one that is not directly stated but is revealed through elements such as the poem's imagery, character actions, and narrative events. In "The Raven", the theme revolves around topics such as grief, loss, and the search for meaning in suffering, which are all expressed through the mournful tone and the speaker's interaction with the raven. The poem does not overtly state its themes, but they must be inferred by the reader through the use of symbolism and the overall mood of the poem. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is b. Implicit.