Here's why:
* Narrative: The poem tells a story, a common characteristic of ballads.
* Regular Rhyme Scheme: "The Raven" uses an ABCB rhyme scheme, which is typical of many ballads.
* Meter: The poem employs a regular meter, predominantly iambic pentameter, a feature common in ballads.
* Repetition: The refrain "Nevermore" is repeated throughout the poem, mimicking the repetition often found in ballads.
* Focus on Emotion: The poem focuses on the speaker's intense emotions of grief and despair, a common theme in ballads.
While "The Raven" is technically a ballad, it also incorporates aspects of other poetic forms:
* Dramatic Monologue: The speaker directly addresses the raven, creating a dramatic monologue.
* Elegiac: The poem mourns the loss of Lenore, fitting the elegiac form.
Therefore, "The Raven" can be seen as a ballad with elements of other poetic forms, contributing to its haunting and evocative nature.