the raven opening crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on "the raven opening crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide the quickest solutions, detailed explanations, and helpful tips to conquer your puzzles.
Solutions for "the raven opening crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ONCE: The very first word of Edgar Allan Poe's famous narrative poem, "The Raven," which begins "Once upon a midnight dreary..."
More About "the raven opening crossword clue"
"The Raven" is one of Edgar Allan Poe's most iconic poems, first published in 1845. It tells the story of a distraught narrator, mourning the loss of his beloved Lenore, who is visited by a talking raven. The poem's opening lines, "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary," immediately set a dark and melancholic tone, drawing readers into its gothic atmosphere.
The word "ONCE" serves as a classic fairy tale or narrative beginning, immediately signaling that a story is about to unfold. Its significance in the poem lies in its ability to establish the setting and mood, laying the groundwork for the mysterious and increasingly despairing events that follow. For crossword enthusiasts, identifying this famous opening is a common challenge that tests literary knowledge.
This clue often appears in crosswords due to the poem's widespread recognition and its distinctive opening. Knowing key literary phrases and first lines can be a significant advantage when tackling such clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Recall Famous Openings: Many literary clues revolve around the first words or famous lines of well-known poems, books, or plays. Try to mentally access iconic opening phrases.
- Context is Key: Pay close attention to words like "opening," "ending," "character," or "author" within the clue. These provide vital context for narrowing down potential answers.
- Author Association: If an author's name is mentioned or implied (like Poe with "Raven"), think about their most famous works and common themes.
- Check Letter Count: Always use the given letter count as a crucial guide. It helps to eliminate possibilities quickly and confirm your answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the opening word of Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven'?
The famous poem 'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe opens with the word 'ONCE', as in 'Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary...'"
How can I solve literary-themed crossword clues?
Solving literary-themed clues often requires knowledge of classic literature, famous authors, and iconic opening lines or quotes. If a clue references a specific work, try to recall its most famous elements or characters. Contextual clues like 'opening' or 'ending' are vital.
Who wrote the poem 'The Raven'?
The celebrated narrative poem 'The Raven' was written by the American writer and poet Edgar Allan Poe, first published in January 1845.