What Does The Raven Symbolize

Symbolism in Poe-try
Throughout Edgar Allan Poe’s writing it is evident that he depicts a substantial amount of symbolic scenery, images, and actions. Poe is known for his many deep symbols and metaphors included in his works. These symbols create a more meaningful text and an overall better reading experience for those who recognize them. Furthermore, Poe’s talent in creating a deep symbolism for his readers depicts a more detailed and vivid tone for the story. Along with these bold symbols there are some that are not as easily recognized. In the first line of the poem the narrator states it is midnight. The narrator quotes, “distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December” (Poe 7). Both of these indicate the end and beginning of something. When it turns midnight, it is the end of one day and the beginning of the next. December is the last month of the year that symbolizes the ending of the year, but after the month ends a new year begins. The two symbols can both represent the ending of the

In the poem, the raven was, “perched upon a bust of Pallas” (Poe 41). Pallas is a Greek goddess of wisdom, meaning that the Raven’s constant chant of “nevermore” could suggest that the raven spoke from wisdom rather than just nonsense. As quoted in the poem, “the Night’s Plutonian Shore” (Poe 47) meaning the Roman god of the underworld Pluto. The underworld is another aspect of death since ancient Roman’s believed all dead people went here to spend the rest of eternity. The last reference is stated when the narrator says, “Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!” (Poe 83). Nepenthe was an ancient drug that was consumed to cause the forgetfulness of sorrow and grief. Throughout the poem the narrator is attempting to forget about Lenore to prevent him from being sorrowful, but his thoughts along with the raven keep bringing those thoughts