The Raven-Nevermore: Edgar Allan Poe

Dejan Malcic

Mrs. Edelman

Honors English 10

20 January 2023

Quoth The Raven-Nevermore Famed Gothic author, Edgar Allan Poe’s most influential piece by far, “The Raven” a story about grief, insanity, and the meaningful remembrance of a lost loved one is a masterclass in the use of expert narrative. Poe’s writing was inspired by the loss of his wife and mom at the age of 24, and this sparked the birth of the famous author. By writing stories about topics like grief, depression, insanity, and the tragedies of death, he exemplifies masterful length in his literature and the use of poetic devices. In “The Philosophy of Composition” Poe illustrates what an expert narrative is by saying “the limit of a single sitting” and “the application of the principles of rhyme and alliteration” (Poe 3-6). Edgar Allan Poe's use of symbolism, imagery and other poetic devices in "The Raven" adds to the eerie atmosphere of the story, making it a timeless classic in the genre of Gothic literature. The raven itself serves as a symbol of death, mourning, and the narrator's descent into madness. The repetition of the raven's "Nevermore" further emphasizes the theme of grief and the finality of loss. Poe's mastery of language and storytelling techniques make "The Raven" a powerful and enduring work of literature that continues to this day, and makes

The poem's length allows Poe to slowly build tension and create a sense of unease that ultimately leads to the raven's revelation of "nevermore." The story's length also allows Poe to incorporate multiple layers of meaning and symbolism, making it a rich and complex work. The gradual unfolding of the story's plot and the gradual reveal of the raven's true nature and purpose make "The Raven" a masterful narrative that leaves a lasting impression on readers. This makes "The Raven" such a powerful and enduring work of