Question

Using context clues, write your best definition of surcease as it is used in “The Raven.” Then, use a dictionary to verify its meaning.

Answer 1

In “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe, the word "surcease" can be defined as a cessation or an end of something, often referring to the act of stopping or ceasing an action or behavior, particularly in the context of sorrow or despair. Through the context of the poem, it suggests a longing for relief or an end to grief.

To verify the meaning, I consulted a dictionary, and found that "surcease" means to cease or to come to an end; it can refer to the stopping of a process or the cessation of suffering or trouble. This aligns with its use in Poe's work, reinforcing the concept of seeking an end to pain or loss.