Part one of term paper
In Poe’s "The Raven" the most obvious symbol is the Raven its self. Why would Poe use a non-reasoning creature to recite the refrain of "nevermore?" I believe Poe uses the non-reasoning raven because to us it would make little to no sense, and frustrate us because were a reasoning creature that can answer the question. It is also im ...

Part two of term paper
... Or was Poe just using a word only some could interpret? Also why does Poe use midnight and December for the time the story takes place? I figure midnight and December both represent an end to something, and also the anticipation of something new. A new year comes after midnight, also a new day; and December represents the end of a year. Finally when I picture the room the narrator is positioned in, I picture him lonely and sorrowful, and the richly furnished room reminds him of his lost love, L ...