“The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most famous poems ever written. The poem is noted for its clever use of metaphors which help create a dark and eerie tone. The cast of characters, setting, and plot all rely heavily on metaphor to create meaning and depth. In this essay, I will explore the use of metaphor in “The Raven” and how it contributes to the overall power and appeal of the poem. The first metaphor the reader encounters is that of the raven itself. The bird represents a number of different things throughout the poem, ranging from death to despair to despair. It could be argued that the bird represents a loss of faith, as it seems to taunt the narrator into believing that there is no life after death or hope of salvation. The black feathers of the raven, a common symbol of death, also convey this idea. As the poem progresses, the bird becomes more and more threatening, eventually driving the narrator to madness. Another metaphor that runs through the poem is that of the narrator's heart. At the beginning of the poem, the narrator hears a knock at his door and his heart begins to race with fear. The metaphor here is that the heart represents the narrator's emotions, which are beyond his control. As the poem progresses, the narrator's heart is juxtaposed with the raven's beak, which preys on the narrator's sense of hope and reason. This metaphor illustrates the narrator's internal struggle and reinforces the tone of despair that permeates the poem. The setting of the poem also helps create a feeling of despair and dread. The narrator is alone in his room, dark and disturbing. The piece depicts the narrator's mind, consumed by fear and anxiety. The darkness and silence of the room emphasize the narrator's feelings of despair and isolation. The metaphorical nature of the setting allows Poe to convey the narrator's internal struggle in a vivid and memorable way. Finally, the poem's famous repeated line, "Nevermore," is one of the most powerful metaphors in the entire work. The word is used by the crow to mean that there is no escape from death and despair. This single word serves as a metaphor for the entire poem, which is a meditation on the inevitability of death and the hopelessness of the human condition. The repetition of the word creates a haunting and oppressive atmosphere that perfectly captures the mood of the poem. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe is a masterpiece of metaphorical writing. The use of metaphor contributes immensely to the tone and meaning of the poem, creating a work that is both memorable and meaningful. By exploring the metaphorical nature of the raven, the narrator's heart, the setting, and the repeated word "Nevermore," we can gain a deeper appreciation for this haunting and unforgettable work of literature. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essay