I am working on an analysis of the role of the narrator in Poe's "The Raven" and "The Fall of the House of Usher." I was hoping to gain input from others on this topic. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2002

Answers

When reading "The raven" it seems clear to me from the start, that it is a symbol of Poes heartache and sorrow. The raven, the actual bird, is a ill omen, when the raven is seen close to you it brings bad fortune and thats why Poe used this particular bird. When the bird lands on the bust of Pallas it showes the reader that it is of an metaphysical nature, beyond all rationable thought and thereby being superior to the narrator in an intellectural way. It is Poes sorrow that the raven symbolizes, it leaves him nevermore. It is the memmories of his lost love, Lenore, that burns in him like a demonic fire. you can see this fire in the Ravens eyes. The storie is about fallen love, lost and gone to return nevermore. This is what I had time to write, hope you can use some of it.

-- Anonymous, February 23, 2002

The Bird, I think is somoething that symbolises Lenore

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002