The Raven Review

Front

What does the speaker hear just before he is about to nap?

Back

The speaker hears tapping on his door.

Front

What does the term 'ebony' mean in the context of the poem?

Back

Ebony means dark black in color.

Front

What is the external rhyme scheme of 'The Raven'?

Back

The external rhyme scheme is A-B-C-B-B-B.

Front

What literary device is used in the phrase 'uncertain rustling of each purple curtain'?

Back

This is an example of assonance.

Front

What can readers infer about the speaker's future from the poem's conclusion?

Back

Readers can infer that the speaker will never escape his despair.

Front

What is the main theme of 'The Raven'?

Back

The main theme is the struggle with loss and longing.

Front

What is personification?

Back

Personification is a literary device where human traits are attributed to non-human things.

Front

Give an example of alliteration from 'The Raven'.

Back

An example of alliteration is 'silken, sad, uncertain rustling'.

Front

What is the significance of the raven in the poem?

Back

The raven symbolizes death and the permanence of loss.

Front

What mood is established in the poem?

Back

The mood is dark, melancholic, and eerie.