In Edgar Allan Poe's iconic poem "The Raven," the bust that the raven perches upon is the Bust of Pallas, which symbolizes the Greek goddess of wisdom, Pallas Athena.
The Identity of the Bust: Pallas Athena
The bust in the poem specifically refers to Pallas Athena, a prominent figure in Greek mythology. Athena is revered as the goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and handicraft. Her presence, even in bust form, evokes a sense of profound knowledge and reasoned thought.
For more information on the mythological figure, you can refer to general knowledge sources like Pallas Athena on Wikipedia.
Symbolism of the Bust
The Bust of Pallas serves as a powerful symbol within "The Raven," embodying crucial concepts that are central to the speaker's psychological state throughout the poem. It represents:
- Sanity: The bust stands as a representation of the speaker's mental stability and sound judgment.
- Wisdom: As Athena is the goddess of wisdom, the bust inherently signifies intellect and understanding.
- Scholarship: The speaker's chambers are filled with books, indicating a scholarly environment, and the bust reinforces this academic atmosphere.
The Raven's Perch: A Visual Metaphor
When the raven dramatically lands and perches upon the Bust of Pallas, it creates a profound visual metaphor for the speaker's deteriorating mental state. This act signifies:
| Element | Representation | Significance in "The Raven" |
|---|---|---|
| Bust of Pallas | Wisdom, Sanity, Scholarship, Rational Thought | The foundation of the speaker's rational mind and intellectual capacity. |
| Raven Perching on Bust | The intrusion of despair, madness, or irrationality | Visually portrays the speaker's rationality being directly threatened and ultimately overwhelmed by the raven's ominous message and his growing grief. |
The raven, often associated with ill omens and death, settling on the symbol of wisdom starkly illustrates the conflict between logic and escalating despair. It underscores how the speaker's grip on reality and his own reason is steadily undermined by the bird's repetitive, tormenting pronouncements of "Nevermore."
