The Raven

First published in 1845, ‘The Raven’ is perhaps Edgar Allen Poe’s best known and most enduring work. First appearing in New York Magazine, the poem was an instant hit and sprung Poe into the national spotlight – it was so popular in fact that ‘The Raven’ became his nickname for many years to come. Students can explore this space to hear the poem being read aloud and to investigate the themes that are hidden within the poem itself.

# Learning objectives

1: To describe how the scene sets the tone of grief and isolation{.info}

2: To explore the theme of fear in the poem{.info}

3: To explain how a sense of hopelessness is developed throughout the poem{.info}

# Grief and Isolation{.objective .objective1}

In this section mourning the loss of his beloved ‘Lenore’, we meet the poem’s narrator in his chamber, reading over old books and letters. In this activity students are asked to enter the scene and listen to the lines spoken in the scene. What line tells us that the narrator has pushed away his friends?

# Fear{.objective .objective2}

In this section it is never made clear in the text whether the narrator is being haunted by supernatural, demonic forces or whether the demons he describes are really his own grief and fear. Students will enter the scene and to listen to the poem again, focussing on the tone of the last verses – what lines give us an indication of fear?

# Hopelessness{.objective .objective3}

In this section the theme of hopelessness is emphasised. The narrator is coming to the realisation that he will never see Lenore again and that he is destined to be alone forever. In this activity students can explore the scene and listen to the final verses of the poem or read them aloud. How is the sense of hopelessness expressed through rhythm and tempo? How does the poem build to show the narrator’s increasing despair?

# Teacher Resources

Download Teacher Notes

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/790748/files/The%20Raven+Teacher+Notes+1.pdf?date=1675253834&size=1042245&md5=cdecf590d3df160cbff8f75299111274)

Student Quiz Answers Document

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/790751/files/The%20Raven+Teacher+Notes+2.pdf?date=1675253929&size=519814&md5=f632e2444acd3fcccfec31077ed06927)

Download Student Quiz Document

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/790753/files/The%20Raven+Teacher+Notes+3.pdf?date=1675254009&size=80614&md5=7e1d3c20ec59b6da2569cfd0101a7fa1)