Fowl Symbolism Used in Poetry Essay - 1538 Words

Symbolism had a large impact on the writers of the nineteen century similar to the effect it places in literature today. Symbolism is explained in these terms, â€Å"Symbolism can take different forms. Generally, it is an object representing another to give it an entirely different meaning much deeper and more significant.†(Batova) The more significant meaning is often overlooked upon first inspection but when read again a new understanding can be developed. One symbol often used in poetry during this gothic time period of the nineteenth was the use of a bird as a type of omen. The Albatross in Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, is shot from the sky and many terrible things ensue after it’s death and it is seen as an omen to the†¦show more content†¦However, the joy of the Albatross was shot lived as he was shot by the narrator and then the true trials of the poem began. The pure white and playful nature of the Albatross create a feeling that the bird came only bring good lest it should be harmed. A stark contrast to this view comes in Poe’s poem The Raven which depicts a cold dreary night and the narrator alone fighting the sorrows of their life. The sleek black of the raven’s body automatically creates an evil feeling behind the presence of the bird. â€Å"black is considered a negative color; In many western traditions raven represents darkness, destructiveness and evil. They are sometimes associated with deities of evil and of death. Both witches and the Devil were said to be able to take the shape of a raven.† (Black) Thus the very appearance of the raven presents and eerie feeling to the poem and makes the reader question the order of events that are to follow. â€Å"Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore — What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore Meant in croaking â€Å"Nevermore.à ¢â‚¬ (The Raven Lines 69-72) As the image of the Raven is described the reader begins to feel more and more unsettled by the presence of the bid and what it could possibly symbolize. Because each reader is different the poems answer toShow MoreRelatedThe Symbolism of Water1381 Words   |  6 PagesThe Symbolism of Water Many works of literature use symbols to represent abstract ideas. One symbol that is commonly used is water. Water is a viable symbol because it is versatile. 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Gale and Design ® and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license. The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beachams Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: Social Concerns, Thematic Overview, Techniques, Literary Precedents, Key Questions, Related Titles, Adaptations