The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

Poem Summary

TP-CASTT Analysis

Literary Elements

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Visual Vocabulary

Narrative Adaptation

Movie Poster

Essential Questions for "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

1. How do great writers create a mood that readers can feel? How is this evident in The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe?
2. What are the parts of a poem, and how can identifying them aid analysis?
3. How do literary elements affect readers understanding of a literary work?

Summary of the poem The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

Beware! This quick synopsis of The Raven does contain spoilers!

"The Raven" is one of Edgar Allan Poe's most famous works. The poem takes place just after midnight on a December evening. A depressed man is sitting in his library, drifting in and out of sleep as he reminisces about Lenore, his dead lover.

Suddenly, he hears a knock or tapping, but sees nothing on opening his door. Startled, he convinces himself it was only the wind against the window. He goes to the window to let in fresh air, and a raven swoops in, who perches above the door.

The narrator talks to the bird, and inquires if it has a name. The raven says, "Nevermore". Surprised by this response, the narrator continues to question the bird. The bird's only reply to questions is, "Nevermore".

The narrator fears the bird was sent to torture him. He asks a final question: will he ever hold his love, Lenore, again? The raven, of course, answers, "Nevermore". It becomes clear throughout the poems that the man is delirious and distraught over the loss of his love.

Edgar Allan Poe's, The Raven is a favorite poem for teachers and students to ponder, however, it can be challenging to analyze. Engage students with the dynamic and interactive activities above that focus on creating a summary, theme, visual vocabulary, literary elements and more!

Other Activity Ideas for "The Raven"

1. Create an alternate ending to the poem with a storyboard that shows and tells the story from a different perspective.
2. Complete a storyboard biography of Edgar Allan Poe. (This is a great pre-reading activity!)
3. Ask students to create a graphic novel using multiple storyboards that depict the various works of Poe.
4. Give students the opportunity to storyboard their answers to The Raven Study Guide Questions using images and text!
5. Want to take Storyboard That offline? Create printable worksheets with questions and illustrations related to The Raven.
6. Add a presentation to any storyboard project.

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