Introduction

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that requires you to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic. Argumentative essays are pieces of writing that aim to convince the reader of the writer’s own opinion.

In this unit, we read “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe. This poem tells of a scholar who has recently lost his lover. In order to cope with these feelings of loss, he has taken to secluding himself in his study where he continues to read various books. While he is doing this he then hears a knocking on his door and window.

The scholar then discovers that it is a crow that lets itself in. Then begins a long conversation between the scholar and the bird to which the crow only answers, “Nevermore.” The narrator is then subsequently driven insane from the crow’s repeating of the word to every question he asks and over the grief caused by his loss

Instructions

Respond to Edgar Allan Poe’s, “The Raven,” by answering the following writing prompt in an argumentative essay

Prompt: For this essay, you will craft a 3-paragraph response that answers the following question: Is the Raven in Edgar Allan’s Poe’s, “The Raven,” real or imaginary? Use evidence from the poem and your own thinking to support your answer. This essay should explore how the different elements of the poem (setting, mood, imagery, symbolism) and the speaker’s word choice all contribute to the existence or nonexistence of the poem.

Please use the outline below to help you write your essay.

Outline

Paragraph 1 Introduction

Introduce the poem and the author.
Write a sentence that states your position. (i. e. I believe the raven is real/imaginary in Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, “The Raven.”)
Write 2-3 sentences that lists 3 reasons that support your position that the raven is real or imaginary.
Paragraph 2: Evidence (6-8 sentences long)

In this paragraph, you will discuss each of your reasons Use textual evidence (quotes) to support each of the reason you believe the raven is real or imaginary.
You should have 1-2 sentences for each reason and include textual evidence supporting your position.
Paragraph 3: Conclusion

Sum it up! Write 4-5 sentences in your conclusion that restates your position and the reasons you believe the raven is real or imaginary.
Be sure to proofread and check for grammatical and spelling errors.