Rhetorical Analysis of The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe

"The Raven", a poem written by Edgar Allan Poe, was first published on January 29, 1845. With this publication, Poe received immense praise, despite already being a well-established journalist and author. The poem remains one of his most iconic works, largely due to its haunting narrative and gothic themes. It tells the story of a grieving man who mourns the loss of his beloved Lenore. A raven, sitting atop the man’s chamber door, repeatedly responds to his questions with the single word, "Nevermore." This repetition drives the man deeper into despair as he is reminded of his loss.

Edgar Allan Poe: Life and Work

Edgar Allan Poe, born on January 19, 1809, was renowned for his poetry and short stories, many of which delved into themes of mystery and the macabre. Poe is credited with inventing the detective fiction genre and is known for his unique writing style that captivates readers. Although he attended the University of Virginia, financial struggles led him to quit and later enlist in the army under a different name in 1827. Despite his military service, Poe’s passion for writing pushed him to pursue a literary career, eventually working with journals and periodicals, where he developed his distinct style.

The Power of "The Raven": Ethos or Pathos?

"The Raven" is regarded as one of the finest poems ever written. Initially, the poem was viewed through an ethos lens because of Poe's established reputation. However, upon deeper analysis, it becomes clear that the poem embodies pathos. The poem's core theme revolves around the loss of a loved one, and it is only after the introduction of the raven that the man's deep grief and sorrow are fully revealed.

Literary Techniques and Themes in "The Raven"

In "The Raven," Poe strategically uses mythological, religious, and classical references to enhance the poem’s depth. The protagonist, overwhelmed by grief, begins to believe that the raven is a demonic figure sent to torment him over the loss of Lenore. Poe’s use of pathos draws readers into the man’s emotional turmoil, allowing them to experience his despair.

Key Literary Techniques:

• Mythological and religious references: Enhance the poem’s depth and emotional complexity.
• Symbolism of the raven: Represents death and mourning.
• Repetition of "Nevermore": Reinforces the man's anguish and hopelessness.

Poe’s Writing Style: A Deliberate Choice of Vocabulary

To ensure that his readers understood the emotional intensity of the poem, Poe meticulously chose vocabulary that emphasized the man’s depression and descent into madness. By doing so, he ensured that readers could connect with the man's pain. The use of specific, emotional language and the poem's rhyming structure created a rhythmic flow, allowing the poem to be felt as much as read.

Rhyming Scheme and Emotional Impact

The rhyming structure in "The Raven" plays a significant role in evoking emotion from readers. The poem’s musicality, coupled with its gothic tone, enhances the sense of despair. Readers are drawn into the man’s sorrow, experiencing his pain and descent into insanity through the poem's rhythm.

The Audience for "The Raven": Poe’s Unexpected Success

While Poe initially intended "The Raven" for a smaller, niche audience, it reached widespread acclaim following its publication in the New York Evening Mirror. Poe’s use of horror and morbidity in the poem limited its expected audience, but the deep emotional connection readers experienced helped it achieve greater success than anticipated.

The Raven as an Agonizing Symbol

In the poem, the raven is not just a bird but an instigator of the man's suffering. The bird’s constant repetition of "Nevermore" serves as a reminder of the man’s loss and torment. Although Poe was already an established author, "The Raven" brought him significant recognition and success. Unfortunately, Poe did not live long enough to fully enjoy this success, as he passed away on October 7, 1849.

Conclusion: The Legacy of "The Raven"

Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Raven" remains one of the most influential pieces of gothic literature. Through his use of pathos, repetition, and a deliberate rhyming scheme, Poe crafted a poem that continues to resonate with readers. The emotional connection between the protagonist and the audience, combined with the poem’s haunting narrative, solidified "The Raven" as one of the best works in literary history. Poe’s unique techniques allowed readers to experience the man’s grief, ensuring the poem’s place in the canon of classic literature.

Works Cited

• “Edgar Allan Poe.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Feb. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Allan_Poe.
• Poe, Edgar Allan. “The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48860/the-raven.
• “The Raven.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Feb. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raven.