Analysis of the Raven by Edgar Allen Poe Essay Example

the poem creates a flowing effect, similar to a song when read aloud. Internal rhymes are found throughout the poem, including the first line which contains an internal rhyme of "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary." Another example can be seen in Line 31 with "Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning." The poem is filled with such examples. Poe also utilizes repetition to emphasize the musical quality of "The Raven." The repetition of the word "nevermore" not only adds a sense of musicality but also suggests the melancholic theme of the poem (lines 48, 54, 60, 72, etc.). Poe also incorporates repetition in other sections of the poem.In lines 16 and 17, the speaker mentions a visitor waiting at his door, suggesting he wants to convince himself it is not a sinister force, but merely a guest. Edgar Allen Poe skillfully uses words that not only enhance the flow of the work, but also reinforce the tone. Throughout "The Raven," alliteration, the repetition of starting sounds, is used frequently. An example of alliteration is seen in line 26, where the "d" sound is repeated: "Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before." Another example is found in line 45: "'Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,' I said, 'art sure no craven.'" In the previous examples, the "th" and "sh" sounds are used for effect. Vowel rhyme, the repetition of vowel sounds in a line, is also cleverly employed by Poe. Line 13 gives an example of vowel rhyme as Poe pairs the words "...purple curtain." Immediately after, in line 14, he

starts with the assonant words "Thrilled me-filled me..." Again, we see this choice of words in line 59: "...hopes have flown..." However, line 71 provides perhaps one of the clearest examples of Poe's use of vowel rhyme when he writes "...grim, ungainly."In "The Raven," Edgar Allan Poe skillfully employs onomatopoeia, a technique that uses words imitating the sounds they describe. Examples can be found in the descriptions of the "rapping" and "tapping" on the speaker's door and window (lines 3, 4, 5, 21, 22, and 32). Poe also utilizes onomatopoeia in line 37 when he describes the raven's entrance as a "flirt and flutter" from the window. Another fine example is found in line 80, where the author mentions the "tinkle" of footsteps on the floor. "The Raven" illustrates how authors can use sound effects and other literary devices to create a tone that evokes a specific mood in readers. Poe's mastery of these tools is truly impressive as he provides an example to authors, readers, and students on how to effectively utilize them to convey the sense of apprehension desired while maintaining the beauty of a flowing, melodious poem.