To represent an abstract idea or thought, writers often use symbolism in their stories or poems. In "The Raven" Edgar Allan Poe uses several symbols throughout the poem. Poe uses a raven, a dark creature, to represent death. The raven helps to set the melancholy mood that Poe tries to keep throughout the poem.

Edgar Allan Poe's poem was written on the most melancholy subject: A lover who is mourning the death of a beautiful woman. When the raven comes to the speaker, it is a constant reminder that Lenore is forever gone. The raven repeats the word "nevermore" throughout the poem several times. Each time this word is spoken, it seems to instill more anger and depression into the speaker. Reminding him a numerous amount of times that Lenore is gone.

The raven is used as a symbol in the story to represent many things...