The Raven E.A. Poe
Zachary A. R.
Professor Aguilar
English Composition 1302.017
02 March 2013 “The Raven,” by E.A. Poe In this research paper I will be analyzing the poem titled, “The Raven” written by Edgar Allan Poe. I will be examining the history surrounding the development of the poem and how major events may have influenced Poe. I will be exploring the roles and development of the characters within the poem and how Poe uses symbolism to evolve them and create depth in the characters throughout the poem. At the end of this research paper I will have elaborated on the poem’s combination of all the elements of superstition, history and atmosphere to develop a timeless piece of American literature that still influences modern forms of expression throughout the world. The events of the world in 1844 were massive in the religious stage of the globe. Changes in leadership throughout a number of denominations dominated the view of the world. Joseph Smith Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint, dies and causes expansion for the religion; a false prediction of the second coming leads to The Great Disappointment; and Báb publicly proclaims to be the simultaneous return of Elijah, John the Baptist, Jesus, and the messiah of Mazdiasm yet still seems to be gaining more followers. To a self-confessed atheist such as Poe, these events crate a certain idea of people who he sees place too much value in something as superstitious as religion. And the death of people who rely upon reason and forethought, such as Franz Mozart, Evgeny Baratynsky, and Thomas Campbell is more than enough inspiration for a poem where one of the main characters is heavy on spirituality and lacks critical logic. In 1844 Poe had just moved back to New York City after winning a hundred dollar prize for, “The Gold Bug. Additionally, Poe publishes “The Balloon Hoax” and “The Purloined Letter” in 1844. And although he was writing “The Raven” in 1844 it wasn’t published until 1845. Sadly, for Poe, 1845
Professor Aguilar
English Composition 1302.017
02 March 2013 “The Raven,” by E.A. Poe In this research paper I will be analyzing the poem titled, “The Raven” written by Edgar Allan Poe. I will be examining the history surrounding the development of the poem and how major events may have influenced Poe. I will be exploring the roles and development of the characters within the poem and how Poe uses symbolism to evolve them and create depth in the characters throughout the poem. At the end of this research paper I will have elaborated on the poem’s combination of all the elements of superstition, history and atmosphere to develop a timeless piece of American literature that still influences modern forms of expression throughout the world. The events of the world in 1844 were massive in the religious stage of the globe. Changes in leadership throughout a number of denominations dominated the view of the world. Joseph Smith Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint, dies and causes expansion for the religion; a false prediction of the second coming leads to The Great Disappointment; and Báb publicly proclaims to be the simultaneous return of Elijah, John the Baptist, Jesus, and the messiah of Mazdiasm yet still seems to be gaining more followers. To a self-confessed atheist such as Poe, these events crate a certain idea of people who he sees place too much value in something as superstitious as religion. And the death of people who rely upon reason and forethought, such as Franz Mozart, Evgeny Baratynsky, and Thomas Campbell is more than enough inspiration for a poem where one of the main characters is heavy on spirituality and lacks critical logic. In 1844 Poe had just moved back to New York City after winning a hundred dollar prize for, “The Gold Bug. Additionally, Poe publishes “The Balloon Hoax” and “The Purloined Letter” in 1844. And although he was writing “The Raven” in 1844 it wasn’t published until 1845. Sadly, for Poe, 1845