#11 - Inside the Raven

Objective

Students will identify one example each of specified literary devices and thematic topics in “The Raven,” then explain each using the required chain (device → evidence → meaning; theme → thematic statement → meaning).

Notes

Part One Example: Symbolism = "The Raven" → death, grief, inescapable despair, color is black and is a simple character speaking only one word.

Part Two Example: Emotional Journey = curiosity "while I pondered, weak and weary" the word pondering suggest that something is occupying his thoughts  → hope "Presently my soul grew stronger, hesitating then no longer" the speaker is building his confidence to where he can perform an everyday task like open the door → anger "'Prophet!' said I, 'thing of evil! prophet still, if bird or devil!'" the punctuation used suggest he is angry which is one of the seven stages of grief → despair "And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor / shall be lifted - nevermore!" darkness/grief/depression will consume the remainder of his life

Assignment

Part One: 

1. One each:  Repetition, Symbolism, Mood, Shifts, Allusions, and Alliteration 

2. How to: Literary device → Textual evidence → Meaning / Significance

Part Two:

1. One each: Grief, Death & Loss, Reason & Wisdom, Emotional Journey, Devotion, Rationality vs Irrationality, Memory as Torment vs Comfort, Isolation & Failure of Consolation, and Rational Questioning vs Emotional Collapse

2. How to: Thematic topic → Thematic Statement → Meaning / Significance