In "The Raven," how does the introduction of the bird contribute to the poem's theme that desperation can lead to mental instability?
Responses
The speaker believes that the bird answers his questions.
The speaker understands that Lenore sent the bird to visit him.
The speaker thinks the bird is a ancient god sent to comfort him.
The speaker believes that the bird is a reincarnation of Lenore.
1 answer
The introduction of the bird in "The Raven" contributes to the theme that desperation can lead to mental instability by showing the speaker's fascination and obsession with the bird's presence. The speaker's constant questioning of the bird and interpreting its responses as messages from the afterlife demonstrates how his desperation for answers and connection with his lost love, Lenore, leads him to spiral into a state of delusion and psychological turmoil. The bird's repetitive refrain of "Nevermore" serves as a constant reminder of the speaker's despair and ultimately pushes him further into madness.
1 answer