"The Raven"

      This week we read the poem "The Raven" written by Edgar Allan Poe. "The Raven" is one of Poe's most famous works. It is about the conversation a man has with himself as well as a raven perched on top of his door. The man is slightly psychotic, and believes the bird is talking to him and is bringing back memories of his lost love, Lenore. The man has become hopeless, thinking that the bird will leave him just like everything else in his life has abandoned him. However, this bird stays with him forever as a constant reminder of his disappointments, losses, and especially Lenore.
      Edgar Allan Poe was known for writing gothic, dark, and somewhat discomforting literature. This fits in perfectly with the theme of Gothic Romanticism. In gothic literature, the setting is somewhere bleak and depressing. This poem takes place in a dark, scary, remote place. Another characteristic of gothic literature is that macabre or violent events happen. The loss of Lenore can be associated with this. The man is tormented by the loss of Lenore, and believes the raven is talking to him, which connects to the psychological aspect of gothic literature. Finally, when considering the supernatural aspect, the raven talking or the room getting stuffy because of the presence of a ghost can be thought of. Edgar Allan Poe and gothic literature were made for each other.