Analysing 'The Raven'

English

In 'Gothic Poetry', pupils take inspiration from Edgar Allen Poe to write their own gothic poems, developing their understanding of genre and poetic devices. In 'A World at War: Poetry', pupils need to write their own poems in the style of different poets throughout the unit, deepening their understanding of poetic voice and style. 

In 'A Monster Within', pupils explore the role of gothic monsters in several prose extracts. In 'Gothic Poetry', pupils focus on the work of Edgar Allen Poe to explore how gothic conventions can be used in poetry. 

In this unit, pupils read and explore two nineteenth-century gothic poems by Edgar Allen Poe. They first read and analyse 'The Raven' and 'The Haunted Palace' in isolation, before comparing them to each other and developing a personal response. Finally, they practise performing one of the poems.

Gothic poetry

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Using a simile to express an idea or a feeling.

Using a noun to represent an idea or feeling.

Using bird imagery to represent an idea or feeling.

Which is the best description of symbolism?

Pick examples of symbolism in 'The Raven'.

We identify the symbol and try to picture it. 

We identify the symbol and describe what it is. 

We identify the symbol and explain what it represents. 

When we analyse symbolism, what are we aiming to do? 

What is the most likely interpretation of the symbolism in the word 'midnight' in Poe's 'The Raven'?

What is the most likely interpretation of the symbolism of December?

Which is the best definition of the word 'sinister'?

If you are full of melancholy, you are full of...

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.

A lonely man is tormented by a visit from a raven. 

Which of the following statements best summarises what happens in 'The Raven'?

In 'The Raven', which adjective best describes the man's mood?

Choose the word to fill in the blank: The Gothic genre was a form of literature that emerged in the middle of the {{  }} century. 

Which feeling does the Gothic genre aim to create in readers? 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Analysing 'The Raven'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.