Fishbowl+Discussion

1. When The Raven was first published in 1845 in a New York newspaper it was a hit, an enormous and popular success with the same kind of impact that a hit song or music video might have today. Back then it seemed as if everyone was reading “The Raven”, reciting it, and talking about it. What do you think made it so popular?
 * “The Raven” Fishbowl Questions **

2. Describe the setting of the poem and the mood it creates. Cite evidence and lines that help create the setting and mood.

3. Explain how Poe uses sound imagery (alliteration, onomatopoeia, rhyme etc) in the poem and what you think Poe is trying to accomplish with these sound effects. Cite specific stanzas and line.

4. Discuss the progression of the speaker’s conversation with the Raven and how it changes. Is there any evidence suggesting the speaker is going mad? Explain. Refer to specific stanzas and lines.

5. Discuss the repeated phrases of the poem and their effect on the reader. 6. Discuss what the raven symbolizes in the poem. Refer to specific stanzas and lines for support of your claim.