the raven (gilead)

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I just wonder about the name Gilead in the poem Raven? Ive had thoghts of that its some kind of Eden, bur i dont know! And the thing is that i am fan of Stephen Kings the dark tower series and the main character is from Gilead you see. Grateful for all answers

-- Anonymous, September 14, 2004

Answers

Gilead is a Biblical reference to an area exporter of healing herbs, myrrh and balm. Joseph was sold by his brothers to a caravan of traders from Gilead, but the reference is mostly from Jeremiah 8:22. As with "nepenthe' it is not too hard to get the sense of reaching out for healing and release from tormented memory, the holy gift of comfort for the bereaved.

-- Anonymous, September 15, 2004

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-- Anonymous, September 18, 2004

In line 89 it says Is there-is there balm in Gilead? it means "Is there any relief from my sorrow?" Poe paraphrases a line from Jeremiah 8:22: "Is there no balm in Gilead?" Gilead was a region in acient Palestine know for it's healing herbs, Such as balm. Balm has come to mean any healing ointment.

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2004

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