What is the theme of the raven?

The theme of the poem "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe is primarily death and grief. The protagonist of the poem mourns the loss of his loved one, Lenore, and the raven that visits him seems to symbolize death and the afterlife, which heightens the sense of bereavement and hopelessness. The repetition of the phrase "nevermore" reinforces the finality of death and suggests a sense of mortality. Additionally, the poem explores the theme of madness, as the protagonist becomes increasingly obsessed with the raven and seeks answers in its cryptic responses. Overall, the theme of "The Raven" is an exploration of the human experience of loss, despair, and the uncertain reality of death.