Which of the following lines BEST supports the way in which the connotative meaning of the word “Nevermore” changes?

Question

Answer choices for the above question

A. “But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only / That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.”

B. “On the morrow he will leave me, as my Hopes have flown before.” / Then the bird said “Nevermore.”

C. “Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore / Of ‘Never—nevermore’.”

D. “What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore / Meant in croaking “Nevermore.”

Answer 1

To determine which line best supports the changing connotative meaning of "Nevermore," we should analyze how the word evolves in its emotional significance throughout the poem.

Among the options provided, C stands out: “Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore / Of ‘Never—nevermore’.” This line suggests a sense of despair and the weight of loss associated with the word "Nevermore," emphasizing its connection to hopelessness and the end of hope, which aligns with the evolving connotation as the poem progresses.

Therefore, the answer is C.