Text Pages 162–172
The Raven
BY EDGAR ALLAN POE
Before Reading
During Reading
Summary
Use the Study Guide on the next page as a way
to work through the selection and improve your
comprehension.
“The Raven” (1845) gave Poe his first major success as
a writer. Poe’s purpose for writing this poem was simple. He wanted to show his readers a mind filled with
“fantastic terrors.”
Vocabulary
lore—facts, stories, beliefs.
entreating—asking for.
implore—beg.
peering—looking carefully.
obeisance—bow or curtsy.
mien—the appearance.
beguiling—deceiving.
countenance—face.
craven—coward.
marvelled—was amazed.
relevancy—relationship to the matter at hand.
placid—calm.
burden—chorus or refrain.
betook—started.
ominous—fateful.
ghastly, gaunt—shockingly thin.
divining—discovering.
censer—jar or bowl for burning incense.
respite—rest, relief.
quaff—drink deeply.
quoth—said.
tempest—storm.
plume—feather.
After Reading
Answer the questions below as a way to deepen
your interpretation of the selection.
1. Describe the poem’s narrator and the scene as the
poem opens.
2. How does the narrator react when he finds no
one at his chamber door?
3. Describe the raven. What do you think that the
raven symbolizes? Explain.
4. What significance does the raven have in the nar-
rator’s life?
(Tested vocabulary used in the online vocabulary
quiz is underlined.)
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The Raven
45
Building Comprehension
Name
The Raven
by Edgar Allan Poe
Use the Building Comprehension exercise below as a way to improve your
comprehension of the selection.
The Raven—Reader Response Journal
Complete the sentences below with your own thoughts, feelings, and views about the poem that you have just
read. Respond deeply. Write honestly. Admit confusion. Expand upon Poe’s ideas and unique literary style.
1. I wonder . . .
2. I most enjoyed . . .
3. I can’t understand . . .
4. I was most disturbed by . . .
5. If I had been . . .
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Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe TRM
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Building Comprehension
6. I was surprised . . .
7. I know the feeling . . .
8. Why did . . .
9. I liked the idea . . .
10. I wish . . .
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The Raven
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