Question

(Will mark if correct only) In The Raven, what most closely does the raven perching on the bust of Pallas
Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, symbolize in the following passage?
Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door-
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door -
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

a) That the bird is also a figure from Greek mythology.

b) That the narrator is wealthy enough to have marble busts for furniture.

c) That nature powers over the strongest of human knowledge.

d) That the narrator was an antique collector.

Answer 1

Answer:

C.) That nature powers over the strongest of human knowledge.

Explanation:

Poe incorporated the bust of Athena into "The Raven" because "Pallas" roughly translates into maiden. The narrator describes Lenore as a "rare and radiant maiden". I believe that the bust if Athena"(bust of Pallas) is a reminder of Lenore. It is important that the raven is perched on the bust because Pallas Atgena was a Greek goddess of wisdom, and it suggest that the bird itself may be wise.