Character Close-Up
In "The Raven," what is the narrator's primary emotional state at the beginning of the poem, and what specific evidence supports this?
Describe the setting of "The Raven" using at least two details from the poem.
The setting is a dark, stormy night in the narrator's chamber. It's described as "bleak December" and the chamber is "lamplit."
Find an example of alliteration in "The Cremation of Sam McGee" and explain its effect on the reader.
An example is "I hurried horror-driven." This has an effect on the poem because it proves the struggle Cap is facing and how terrified he is. Also, it shows how quickly he needs to find a crematorium.
What is the main theme of "The Raven"?
The main theme is overwhelming grief and madness.
Read the following lines from "The Raven": "Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, doubting..." What do these lines reveal about the narrator's state of mind? (8.RL.1)
These lines show the narrator is fearful, curious, and uncertain. The repeated use of verbs like "peering," "wondering," "fearing," and "doubting" explicitly state his internal conflict and anxious state.
In "The Cremation of Sam McGee," what promise does the narrator make to Sam, and how does this action reveal his loyalty?
The narrator promises to cremate Sam McGee after he dies. This action shows his loyalty and commitment to a dying friend.
Find a line from "The Cremation of Sam McGee" that helps the reader understand how cold it is. What figurative language is used?
The line is "Talk of your cold. Through the parka's fold, it stabbed like a driven nail." The figurative language is a simile, comparing the cold to the sharpness and pain of being poked with nails.
What is symbolism in "The Raven"? Give an example from a single stanza.
The raven itself symbolizes grief and that he will always be sorrowful.
What is a central idea presented in "The Cremation of Sam McGee"?
A central idea is the power of loyalty and the unexpected nature of death.
Read this line from "The Cremation of Sam McGee": "A promise made is a debt unpaid." What theme is this line expressing? (8.RL.2)
The line expresses the theme of loyalty, responsibility, and keeping one's word.
How does the narrator's attitude toward the raven change throughout the poem? Cite specific textual evidence to support your answer.
Initially, the narrator views the raven as a curious, almost comical visitor. As the poem progresses, he sees it as a prophet or demon bringing him a message of permanent grief. Evidence: "Prophet still, if bird or devil!" and "Leave my loneliness unbroken!—quit the bust above my door!"
How does the setting of "The Raven" contribute to the overall mood of the poem?
The dark, stormy setting mirrors the narrator's internal grief and mental state. The storm outside reflects the turmoil within him, creating a mood of dread and despair.
Find an example of personification in "The Cremation of Sam McGee" and explain what is being personified.
The land is personified: "The land of gold seemed to hold him like a spell."
How does the repetition of the word "Nevermore" in "The Raven" help develop the poem's theme?
The word's repetition deepens the theme of inescapable sorrow. Each time the raven says "Nevermore," it reinforces the finality of the narrator's loss and the permanence of his despair.
The action of the narrator building a fire in "The Cremation of Sam McGee" is a turning point. How does this action change the plot? (8.RL.3)
The narrator building the fire is the climax of the plot, leading to the surprising twist where Sam McGee is warm and happy, completely changing the poem's trajectory from a somber duty to a humorous conclusion.
In what way does Sam McGee's dialogue ("Please hear my last request") propel the action of the poem?
Sam McGee's request is the catalyst for the entire plot. It gives the narrator a clear mission and purpose, setting the stage for the bizarre journey and events that follow.
The narrator of "The Cremation of Sam McGee" describes the Yukon as "a land of ice and death." How does this description affect the reader's understanding of the setting's danger?
The description highlights the extreme and unforgiving nature of the Yukon. It foreshadows the harsh conditions and the high stakes of the journey, emphasizing the narrator's immense challenge.
The line "And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting" from "The Raven" is an example of what literary device? What is its effect on the poem?
The line is an example of repetition. It emphasizes the raven's persistent and inescapable presence, reinforcing the narrator's feeling of being trapped by grief.
How does the narrator's decision to cremate Sam McGee help develop the theme of loyalty and friendship?
The narrator's unwavering commitment to a difficult and dangerous task—cremating his friend—demonstrates the power and depth of his loyalty, even in the face of immense obstacles.
In "The Raven," what is the figurative meaning of the phrase "ghost of a feather" and how does it relate to the narrator's grief? (8.RL.4)
The "ghost of a feather" is the narrator's memory of Lenore. The raven, with its dark feathers, is a constant reminder of his lost love, essentially a haunting specter of his grief.
In "The Raven," the narrator's final words are "Quoth the Raven, 'Nevermore.'" What does this line reveal about the narrator's psychological state at the end of the poem?
The final line confirms the narrator has fully descended into madness and despair. He believes the raven is a permanent fixture in his life, symbolizing that his sorrow will "nevermore" leave him.
Compare and contrast the settings of both poems. How does each setting influence the events and the characters' actions?
"The Raven" is set in a confined, claustrophobic indoor space that reflects psychological entrapment. "The Cremation of Sam McGee" is set in a vast, unforgiving outdoor wilderness that tests physical endurance. Both settings are hostile and play a key role in developing the poems' central conflicts.
Find an example of a simile in either poem and explain what is being compared and what effect it has on the reader's understanding.
A simile in "The Cremation of Sam McGee" is
Compare and contrast the themes of death in both poems. How do the poets' tones differ when addressing this theme?
In "The Raven," death is presented as a source of profound and tormenting grief. The tone is serious and somber. In "The Cremation of Sam McGee," death is treated with a humorous, almost lighthearted tone, and the focus is on the unexpected twist rather than the tragedy.
How does the irony in "The Cremation of Sam McGee," where Sam is cremated, create a humorous effect? (8.RL.6)
The irony comes from the narrator's struggle and distress which later creates humor because the "corpse" is actually alive and well (in Cap's mind) when Cap opens the furnace, leading to a punchline that releases the tension and creates humor instead of sadness like a normal death.