Here's what we know:
* Poe's poem is a work of dark romanticism and gothic horror, while Dickens' novel is a historical fiction. The context and tone of the two works are very different.
* The raven in "Barnaby Rudge" is more of a comic character, a talking pet bird. The raven in "The Raven" is a dark, ominous symbol of loss and grief.
* There's no documented evidence that Poe ever read "Barnaby Rudge" or saw Dickens' raven. Although Poe was aware of Dickens' work and may have heard about Grip, there's no proof of a direct connection.
While Dickens' raven might have influenced Poe subconsciously, it's more likely that Poe drew inspiration from various sources:
* His own experiences with loss and grief: Poe was deeply affected by the death of his young wife, Virginia, and his poem is considered a reflection of his own emotional turmoil.
* Folklore and mythology: Ravens have long been associated with death, prophecy, and the supernatural in various cultures, giving Poe a rich symbolic palette to work with.
* Contemporary literature: Poe was a voracious reader and was likely familiar with other gothic and macabre literature that featured talking birds or other supernatural elements.
Ultimately, the source of Poe's inspiration for "The Raven" remains a topic of debate among scholars. While Dickens' raven might have been a small spark, it's not the definitive answer.