In the beginning of this poem, Poe is thinking deeply and woefully about his loved one, Lenore. When he hears a noise on the door, he checks and no one is there. Soon after, he hears a tapping on the window as well, and when he checks, he finds a raven perched upon a branch close to his window. He likes this raven, and asks it what its name is, its reply is "nevermore". Poe talks to the bird and asks him several questions, however the bird always answers "nevermore". Poe tells the bird to leave after receiving no help with his many questions and need for advice, but the bird stays where it is.
The answer "nevermore" is clearly a very important and meaning part of this poem. However, Poe did not make the title of the poem "nevermore" instead he named it "The Raven", which would indicate that the raven Poe talks with is of at least equal if not greater meaning to the poem. One possible idea is that the raven itself represents the Lord, and when Poe continually asks the raven about the woman, it simply says "nevermore" over and over. This could mean that when people sin, and ask God for advice, he simply tells them to do it no longer, nevermore. Some people love the sin they commit too much to turn from it, and become angry with the Lord and no longer want his help in their lives. However, one major possible flaw could ruin this idea, which leads me to this question:
Was Edgar Allan Poe a Christian?
Interesting take; let's talk about it
ReplyDeleteThis is what the "deeper" meaning of this poem seemed to me while I was reading it, but the idea of the raven being the memory is equally compelling.
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