In “The Raven”, Edgar Allan Poe utilizes the raven and Lenore to symbolize death and light. Lenore is described as very special and the light that illuminates him in the darkness: “ For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore. ” (line 11) In line 43, the raven represents death. When Lenore dies, there is no light. The narrator is reading in his chamber in December to distract himself from thinking about Lenore:
“ From my books surcease of sorrow — sorrow for the lost Lenore. ” ( line 10 ) The chamber is described as luxurious: “ And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain. ” (line 13) Perhaps to provide shelter to the narrator from the coldness and darkness of December that represents sadness and grief
“ From my books surcease of sorrow — sorrow for the lost Lenore. ” ( line 10 ) The chamber is described as luxurious: “ And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain. ” (line 13) Perhaps to provide shelter to the narrator from the coldness and darkness of December that represents sadness and grief