How does the Raven reveal the dark aspects of humanity?

The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe, reveals the dark aspects of humanity in the following ways:

It reveals that love lost is a fact of life sometimes

In this poem, Edgar Allan Poe reveals that the narrator has lost his true love, Lenore. She was the love of his life and his inspiration and soul mate. He states:

“For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore—

            Nameless here for evermore.” (Stanza number 2, lines 5 and 6)

The dark side of humanity is that Death is an enemy. We often do not like to think of death. We want to dwell on living and the wonderful and beautiful aspects of life. But to be steeped in reality and live constructive proper lives we must acknowledge death as a part of life. It is, to most people, a darker aspect of humanity.

It reveals that life can be toilsome

The poet indicates that human beings can be wearied by daily striving. The fight to earn a living and make ends meet, health issues, personal relationship troubles, and more can take their toll on us. In the very first line of The Raven it is apparent that the narrator is tired and drained:

“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,”

Therefore, a second aspect of the dark side of humanity is revealed here.

It reveals that our own negative thoughts are a dark aspect of being human

The narrator’s outlook on life is revealed in this poem. At the very least the poem reveals how the narrator sometimes thinks, not that he is always morose. Our unconstructive and even destructive thoughts, and not having a proper outlook on life, can lead to down days, negativity, and even depression. Consider that the narrator has a negative view of December and winter. In addition, he is sorrowful over the loss of Lenore:

“Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December;” (Stanza number 2, line 1)

“From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore—” (Stanza number 2, line 4)

It reveals that people can be influenced that there is no future hope

This poem reveals that the raven is influencing the narrator to believe that nevermore shall he see Lenore. The narrator asks the raven:

“Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,

    It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore—”

The raven answers “Nevermore”.

This makes the narrator angry. The narrator does reveal that he believes in God. If he does, he should have the hope of an afterlife where he will see Lenore again, should he qualify for life in God’s Kingdom. Nonetheless, the darker side of humanity is revealed here – a person being influenced by external forces, and this influence harming a person.