The Raven, a narrative poem by Edgar Allan Poe, published in 1845, has made its author famous, and a pop-culture phoneme to this day. Since Halloween is right around the corner, I thought it would be nice to research a bit more into this beloved classic this time of year.
Poe chose the word “Nevermore” because it represents the human thirst for self-torture”, a common theme in his life and work.
The poet found ravens creepy because they are very intelligent, live on carcasses, have been known to mimic other birds, and have no fear investigating gun shots.
The publication of The Raven made Poe and instant celebrity and a household name. He was still poor though, as there was no mechanism to receive royalties from reprints and advertising.
The poem was first published in The American Review under the pseudonym “Quarles” (it was rejected by Graham’s Magazine). It was first published with Poe’s name attached in The new York Mirror.
It is reported that Poe gave lectures and dramatic reading of the poem which were captivating and brilliant.
The 1915 movie The Raven embellished his writing process, death, drunkenness, and death. We actually know very little about his death.
The raven has come to symbolize the poet, birds are placed in historical monuments to honor him.
A father, husband, avid reader, blogger, software engineer & wood worker who is known the world over as a man of many interests and to his wife as “an idiot”.