The poem begins with the speaker worrying about the terrible weather. The description of "midnight dreary" sets a dark and ominous tone, suggesting a sense of unease. The speaker is also "weak and weary," indicating fatigue and potentially a troubled state of mind. This atmosphere contrasts sharply with the sudden and mysterious tapping at the door, which piques the speaker's curiosity despite his tiredness.
The Raven
Edgar Allan Poe
1845
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Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American author, poet, and literary critic whose works are still widely read today. "The Raven" is perhaps his most famous poem, celebrated for its musicality, form, and supernatural atmosphere.
As you read, take notes on how the speaker views the raven, as well as how the poem’s structure contributes to its tone.
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore —
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
“’Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door —
Only this and nothing more.”
The poem begins with the speaker...
worrying about the terrible weather.
sleeping through the tapping at his door.
exhausted from building a chamber door.
relaxing when he hears a knock at his door.
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