COVE

Done in 1883, this is one of the 26 plates Doré illustrated for Poe’s poem “The Raven” which were not published until after his death on January 23 of that year. Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven" is considered as one of the most famous works of dark romanticism in American literature. Dark romanticism was a literary movement that emerged in the 19th century, focusing on human nature, sin, and the supernatural. It explored the darker aspects of human existence and emotions. In the context of "The Raven," dark romanticism is evident through its exploration of themes of grief, loss, and the supernatural, as well as its depiction of the protagonist's descent into madness, (The Raven.)  Poe's own life experiences greatly influenced his writing, and "The Raven" is no exception,(The Raven.) The poem solidified Poe's reputation as a master of the macabre, bringing him to a legendary status in American literature. Poe's early life was marked by tragedy and loss, with the death of his mother and later his wife, Virginia, having a profound impact on his work. This sense of loss and grief is reflected in the poem, as the protagonist mourns the death of his beloved Lenore, whose memory haunts him throughout the poem. The supernatural element of the raven further adds to the eerie and melancholic atmosphere of the poem, highlighting the dark and mysterious themes of dark romanticism. The titular raven, a bird traditionally associated with death and ill omens, serves as a haunting presence throughout the poem, echoing the narrator's despair and sense of hopelessness, (Baker, Kaylen.) The repeated refrain of "Nevermore" underscores the finality of death and the futility of trying to escape its grasp. This eerie refrain serves as a haunting reminder of the protagonist's despair, all throughout the poem as a symbol of his unending grief. "The Raven," is a seminal work in the genre of dark romanticism. 

Baker, Kaylen. “Edgar Allen Poe’s ‘the Raven’ Summary & Meaning.” College Transitions, 26 Nov. 2023, www.collegetransitions.com/blog/the-raven-summary-meaning-edgar-allen-poe/.

“The Raven.” Google Books, Google, books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=CedvDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR13&dq=scholarly%2Barticle%2Bedgar%2Ballan%2Bpoe%2Bthe%2Braven&ots=9aQm8Bc_3c&sig=6dd7igfOmJS5YxiAfosYpu4eR5Q#v=onepage&q&f=false.