Exploring Poe: Themes and Symbols

Analyze the theme of death in "The Raven." How does the poem convey the idea that one cannot escape death?

• Through the repeated refrain "Nevermore"

• By describing the raven as a symbol of wisdom

• By focusing on the narrator's lost love, Lenore

• Through the setting of a dark and stormy night

Identify the literary device used in the line "And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain" from "The Raven."

• Simile

• Alliteration

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

Interpret the motivation of Prince Prospero in "The Masque of the Red Death." Why does he host the masquerade ball?

• To celebrate the end of the plague

• To flaunt his wealth and power

• To distract himself and his guests from the fear of the Red Death

• To find a cure for the disease

Evaluate the symbolism of the raven in "The Raven." What does the raven most likely represent?

• Hope

• Death

• Love

• Knowledge

Summarize the key plot point of the climax in "The Masque of the Red Death."

• The guests discover the identity of the masked figure.

• Prince Prospero confronts the masked figure and dies.

• The Red Death is revealed to be a hoax.

• The guests flee the abbey in terror.

Analyze the idea of isolation in "The Masque of the Red Death." How is this idea presented in the story?

• Through the secluded abbey where the guests are gathered

• By the presence of the Red Death outside the abbey

• Through the colorful rooms of the abbey

• By the music played at the ball

Identify the literary device used in the phrase "While I pondered weak and weary from "The Raven."

• Personification

• Onomatopoeia

• Alliteration

• Irony

Interpret the character motivation of the narrator in "The Raven." Why does he continue to engage with the raven?

• He believes the raven can bring Lenore back.

• He is driven by a desire to understand the raven's message.

• He wants to capture the raven as a pet.

• He is trying to scare the raven away.

Evaluate the symbolism of the colored rooms in "The Masque of the Red Death." What do they most likely represent?

• The stages of life

• The seven deadly sins

• The seasons of the year

• The emotions of the guests

Summarize the key plot point of the resolution in "The Raven."

• The narrator finds peace and acceptance.

• The raven leaves, and the narrator is relieved.

• The narrator gives in to madness and despair.

• Lenore returns to the narrator.