Annabel Lee

1. Poe’s poem emphasizes the conflict between the central characters and angels. It is highly unusual for angels to be cast as the villains within a narrative. Create a T chart (see example below) with bullet points, with one side devoted to the speaker’s characterization of the angels in “Annabel Lee” and the other side focused on the more traditional view of angels as depicted in the Bible, films, books, and artwork. Also, read “Playmates” by Emily Dickinson (one of Poe’s contemporaries) and “The Angel” by William Blake to explore additional characteristics of angels as seen in literature.

After completing your chart, discuss with a partner why you think Poe went against traditional ideas about angels in his poem. What purpose does this serve within the poem’s narrative? Does it connect to any of the poem’s themes? How does it influence the poem’s tone and the reader’s impression of the speaker?

2. Consider the symbolic nature of the sepulcher (or tomb) and the sea. What might the tomb symbolize? What might the sea symbolize? What does Poe accomplish with his juxtaposition of the tomb and the sea? Create an essay with an introduction, conclusion, and two body paragraphs. In the first body paragraph, discuss the tomb and what it symbolizes, as well as the sea and what it symbolizes, providing specific quotes from the poem as evidence. In the second body paragraph, discuss Poe’s juxtaposition of the tomb and the sea, and make an assertion about how it contributes to the poem’s themes or overall message.

3. Although “Annabel Lee” is about a bond of love, it contains many examples of the dark, haunting imagery Poe is known for. How does Poe create a tone of dread in the poem? Consider his use of literary devices such as symbols, imagery, assonance, consonance, narration, repetition, and more. Choose three literary devices Poe uses to create a sense of horror within a poem that begins like a fairytale. Write an essay with an introduction, conclusion, and three body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should focus on a different device that contributes to the poem’s haunting tone. Provide direct quotes from the poem as well as thorough analysis of how each quote demonstrates Poe’s use of a literary device, and how that device helps create the poem’s tone.