Concrete Diction:
* Specific imagery: Edgar Allan Poe uses vivid sensory details to create a haunting atmosphere. Think of the descriptions of the raven's "grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore" and the "bleak December" night.
* Physical objects: The poem is full of tangible objects, like the raven itself, the bust of Pallas, the chamber, and the curtains.
* Actions and sounds: The reader can almost hear the "rapping, tapping at my chamber door," the "solemn, sad, uncertain, rustling of each purple curtain," and the raven's "quoth the raven 'Nevermore.'"
Abstract Diction:
* Emotions and concepts: The poem explores themes of grief, loss, love, and the futility of seeking answers. The speaker's obsession with Lenore, his despair, and his fear of the unknown are all abstract concepts.
* Figurative language: Poe uses metaphors, similes, and personification to create deeper meanings. For example, the raven is a symbol of despair, and the speaker's questioning of the bird is symbolic of his search for meaning in his grief.
Overall, the combination of concrete and abstract diction creates a rich and complex experience for the reader. The specific details ground the poem in reality, while the abstract ideas elevate it to a more universal level. This blend is crucial to the poem's enduring power and its ability to connect with readers on both an emotional and intellectual level.