The Raven

What it is

"The Raven" is a narrative poem written by Edgar Allan Poe, first published in January 1845. It tells of a grieving man visited at night by a raven that answers every question with the word 'Nevermore'.

Why it matters

The poem's success made Poe a household name during his lifetime, even though it brought him little money. It shows his careful, methodical approach to rhythm, sound and atmosphere, which he later explained in his essay on how he composed it. It remains one of the most famous poems in English and reveals how Poe used repetition and mood to build tension rather than relying on plot.

Look closer

• Why might a repeated word like 'Nevermore' affect a reader more than a long explanation would?
• What mood does the setting (night, winter, a dying fire) create before the raven even appears?
• What does the poem leave unexplained about the narrator and his loss?