Name: __________________
The Raven Annotations
Directions:
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For each big question, highlight the important terms—each in a different color.
For each highlighted term, write a definition of it above the term.
Also, for each highlighted term, highlight an example of the term within the text. Be sure to
match the term colors to their examples.
Finally, on a separate sheet of paper, answer the big questions in the form of points.
Big Question #1: What mood does the narrator’s tone produce, and how does this tone help characterize the narrator?
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow; — vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore Nameless here for evermore.
Big Question #2: How do figurative language and sound devices help readers visualize the scene?
And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating
''Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is, and nothing more,'
Big Question #3: How do the idioms in this stanza help create suspense?
Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
'Surely,' said I, 'surely that is something at my window lattice;
Let me see then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore; 'Tis the wind and nothing more!'
Annabel Lee Annotations
Instructions: Read “Annabel Lee” on pages 598 and 599 and follow the directions.
Directions:
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For each big question, highlight the important terms—each in a different color.
For each highlighted term, write a definition of it above the term.
Also, for each highlighted term, highlight an example of the term within the text. Be sure to
match the term colors to their examples.
Finally, on a separate sheet of paper, answer the big questions in the form of points.
Big Question #1: How does personification help create a deeply disturbing mood within this stanza?
And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud by night,
Chilling my Annabel Lee;
So that her high-born kinsman came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.
Big Question #2: How does hyperbole help characterize the narrator and his Annabel Lee?
She was a child and I was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea,
But we loved with a love that was more than love—
I and my Annabel Lee;
With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.
Big Question #3: What is the purpose of repetition in this stanza?
For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise but I see the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride,
In her sepulchre there by the sea,
In her tomb by the side of the sea.