New
New
Year 8
Analysing 'The Raven'
I can analyse the symbolism in ‘The Raven’.
New
New
Year 8
Analysing 'The Raven'
I can analyse the symbolism in ‘The Raven’.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The poem is about a man who is visited by a foreboding raven, in the night.
- In the poem, the raven symbolises death and the speaker’s grief.
- Poe presents the narrator as griefstricken; he has perhaps been influenced by the tragedy in his own life.
- The poem links to the Gothic through the dark, isolated setting.
- The poem links to the Gothic through its portrayal of a speaker, in a state of heightened emotion.
Keywords
Symbolism - a literary device where a noun represents an abstract quality
Turbulent - confused and disordered
Entreat - to entreat someone is to beg them
Myth - a traditional story, often about a fact of nature
Melancholy - a long lasting feeling of deep sadness
Common misconception
Students may misuse the varying forms of the word "symbolism."
Explicitly teach them how the various forms are used in sentences.
When discussing the myths associated with the raven, it may be worth linking to other myths pupils will be aware of.
Teacher tip
Equipment
You will need a copy of Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven' which is available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Which is the best definition of the word 'sinister'?
creating anger
experiencing sorrow
showing power
Q2.
If you are full of melancholy, you are full of...
fear
cruelty
hope
Q3.
Which of the following statements best summarises what happens in 'The Raven'?
A lonely man is comforted by a visit from a raven.
A lonely man is surprised by a visit from a raven.
A lonely man is annoyed by a visit from a raven.
Q4.
In 'The Raven', which adjective best describes the man's mood?
disappointed
annoyed
angered
Q5.
Choose the word to fill in the blank: The Gothic genre was a form of literature that emerged in the middle of the century.
Q6.
Which feeling does the Gothic genre aim to create in readers?
anger at injustice
distress about world events
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Which is the best description of symbolism?
Using a simile to express an idea or a feeling.
Using bird imagery to represent an idea or feeling.
Q2.
What does setting mean?
Time and place
Place and months
Q3.
Pick examples of symbolism in 'The Raven'.
the lost Lenore
the speaker
the weather
Q4.
When we analyse symbolism, what are we aiming to do?
We identify the symbol and try to picture it.
We identify the symbol and describe what it is.
Q5.
What is the most likely interpretation of the symbolism in the word 'midnight' in Poe's 'The Raven'?
loneliness
anger
Q6.
What is the most likely interpretation of the symbolism of December?
beginnings
disappointment
enjoyment
Additional material
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