1. “The Raven”
Edgar Allan Poe

2. The Common Raven Large birds, typically 26 inches long.
Found in most of the Northern Hemisphere.
Loud, aggressive and very intelligent birds
Symbol of prophecy to many cultures—mystery, evil omens, death, and disease
Poe considered using an owl or parrot but chose Raven because they are fearless and clever

3. The poem First published in 1845
Follows the tradition of Gothic novels
Set in a mysterious castle/mansion
Told of eerie or supernatural occurrences
It is Poe’s best known work and probably the most famous poem in American literature
Has the sound of a lyric poem but is a narrative poem
Plot leads from curiosity to horror

4. Two Levels of Interpretation
Story of a man obsessed with grief so much so to the point of physical and nervous exhaustion which plunges him into his madness.
Allegory (a story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for other people or events) of a soul’s struggle to overcome the temptations of despair and doubt.

5. Possible Theme
Untimely death of a beautiful woman (perhaps Poe’s own wife, Virginia)

6. Journal
Why do people become superstitious? What kinds of superstitions do you believe in and why?
How are people affected by grief?