The Raven

1. The Raven “nevermore” ---presented by 贾璐

2. In this poem the raven steadily repeats the word “nevermore”. What do you think is the poet’s intention of being the raven repeat this word?

3. “nevermore” • 11 times repeated • 6 times by the raven • 5 times by the narrator • Intention • the long vowel sound musical; gloomy • serving the theme

4. Nevermore • grief over the loss of the beloved Lenore • “nevermore” aptly spoken at the right time • “nevermore” further instigating the distress

5. Analysis • P107, s3,4  a bird from the Underworld • a black bird of ill omen • foretells death---”prophet”, “thing of evil” (p109, s2, 3) • not blessed • P108, s1,2  lonely, meaningless life, hope’s gone • “Other friends have flown before---…, as my hopes have flown before.” (s1, L3,4) • “dirges of his hope” (s2, L5) • P108, s3,4  remembrance of his lover, deep sorrow again • “She shall press, ah, nevermore.” (s4, L6) • P109, s1, 2  no way to forget her and no way to ease the pain • He wanted “respite and nepenthe” (s1, L4) and “balm in Gilead” (s2, L6) to forget this lost Lenore”(s1, L5). • But “nevermore”.

6. Analysis • P109, s3  no possibility of meeting her in heaven • “It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels named lenore---/ Clasp a rare and radiant maiden ,whom the angels named Lenore?” (s3, L4, 5) • But, “nevermore”. • P109, s4  a deadly blow to the narrator; hope totally smashed • in full rage; vent on the raven; almost madly • determined “nevermore”  despair • P110, s1  despair; eternal grief and pain • “My soul … shall be lifted---nevermore.” (L5, 6) • to remember her most gravely and eternally, even after his death

7. Conclusion • Instigating the distress of the narrator • Leading him to eternal sorrow and despair step by step

8. nevermore