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What Is The Mood Of The Raven

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Written by Edgar Allan Poe, “The Raven” is a famous short poem known for the dark fantasy that it portrays. From the mindset of a first person narrative, one may experience the tale through the eyes of a haunted man who is in mourning for the death of his beloved Lenore. As this man sits in his chamber, within a dark and dreary December night, a “raven of the saintly days of yore” visits him. The raven is no ordinary bird, for it is like a ghost, silent, yet it answers every inquiry the man presents in it’s own personal way. This dark and tragic tale grabs one’s attention through the rhythmic, yet melancholy verses, through the classic references, and through the dark imagery that all play a critical role within this poem.
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This serves as a lesson to all, in whatever the situation may be. Also, this haunted curiosity serves in the continued buildup of tension that Edgar Allan Poe is accumulating for a climax.
It is only in the seventh stanza that the second character in this story is revealed. Here, the Raven is introduced. Within mythology, the raven is seen often enough that it has it’s own special altar in the world of the supernatural. In the Greek mythology, ravens are used by Apollo, the god of prophecy, as messengers to the mortal world. Even in Celtic mythology, ravens were associated with the goddess Morrigan who also gave prophecies. Also in both Norse and Welsh legends, the ravens symbolized wisdom. Both forms of prophecy and wisdom are presented Edgar Allan Poe in a way that is subtle yet impactful. Wisdom is immediately presented with the introduction of the raven, for it lands on the bust of Pallas who is more commonly known as Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. However, this raven is something special. It “Perched, and sat, and nothing more.” The tone of something eerie and supernatural continues to be carried out.
Throughout the next six stanzas, the poem starts to build up tension again for the Raven does something that is sure to be unearthly. The Raven speaks. When asked for what it’s name may be, it answers with “Nevermore.” But after marveling at the speaking bird, the man mutters to himself on how just as his hope have

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