I am doing a research paper on The Raven. My topic summarised in one sentence is the role that the trauma's of Poe's life played in the mood of his work. Basically, I want to try to say that Poe is in fact the narrator of The Raven. I am not sure whether I think that he is speaking of a particular experience in his life in the poem or whether it is more of a metaphor for the theme of grimness in his life. SO, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to where I could go to find info on this subject???

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2000

Answers

F.O. Thompson,

Ironically, I think that psychoanalysis of "The Raven" and/or Mr. Poe may yeild a much less accurate picture of what went into the poem than understanding how Poe felt about poetry in general. Poetry was his passion and he had very specific ideas about the construction of verse. His belief that poetry should serve beauty above all else and that poetry should stir the heart and move the soul is clearly spelled out in his essay, "The Philosophy of Composition". Here he details how he went about constructing "The Raven". Pay particular attention to Poe's position relative to "truth" and its contribution in poetry. The essay can be found at:

http://www.eapoe.org/works/essays/philcomp.htm

Perhaps it may be more practical to forego a psychoanalytic review of those that have been gone for 150 years, especially when he has left us, in print, the how and why of the poem. However, if you feel compelled to psychoanalyse a poem, perhaps you may wish to try "The Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carroll.

Regards,

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2000