Instructions
Read the excerpt from Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven" below and answer the questions that follow. Use complete sentences where required.
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
"’Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door—
Only this and nothing more."
1. What time of day is described in the excerpt?
2. How does the narrator feel while reading the volume of forgotten lore?
3. What sounds do you think are disturbing the narrator?
4. Why do you think the narrator describes the visitor as "some one gently rapping"? What does this imply about the nature of the visitor?
5. Rewrite the last line of the excerpt in your own words.
6. The Raven is known for its themes of grief and loss. Based on the excerpt, what emotions do you think the narrator is experiencing?
7. Create a short poem (4 lines) inspired by the themes in "The Raven".