Question

In the space provided, write a paragraph discussing the theme of one of Edgar Allan Poe's poems. Use specific details to explain how the author uses poetic devices to emphasize this theme.

Answer 1

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe.

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,

Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—

While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,

As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

“’Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door—

Only this and nothing more.” (1st stanza)

Step-by-step explanation:

In the poem The Raven, Edgar Allan Poe uses the character and atmosphere of Gothic culture to create themes of sadness, negativity and grief.

Edgar Allan Poe tries to confront grief after the death of his love, Lenore and to torture himself by self inflicting pain and anguish to increase his heartache because of his loss and how final and absolute it is.

"Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December;

And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow

From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore—

For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore—

Nameless here for evermore"

Here in the 2nd stanza, he says that he "eagerly wished the morrow" and "sought to borrow" from his books of sorrow , to grieve for his lost love Lenore because she is "nameless here for evermore"