Themes, Mood, Atmosphere and Key Language

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

the middle of the night, often symbolic of darkness or mystery

a dark shape caused by blocking light; often used to suggest fear or uncertainty

absence of light; symbol of sadness or the unknown

partial darkness or a feeling of deep sadness

grief – intense sorrow, often after someone dies

lament – to express deep sadness or mourning

constant, uncontrollable thoughts about something

obsession – constant, uncontrollable thoughts about something

madness – extreme mental confusion or insanity

a large black bird often symbolizing death or mystery

raven – a large black bird often symbolizing death or mystery

a sculpture of a person’s head and shoulders (in the poem: of Pallas Athena)

flutter – to move wings quickly in flight

perched – sitting or resting on something high

a vague or unclear form, often mysterious or frightening

stanza – a grouped set of lines in a poem

refrain – a repeated line or phrase in poetry

using objects or ideas to represent deeper meanings

symbolism – using objects or ideas to represent deeper meanings

repeated word in the poem, meaning “never again” or “not ever” (symbol of hopelessness)