What literary device is prominently used in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven"?

In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven," repetition serves as a key literary device that enhances the poem's emotional depth and musicality. The most notable example of this is the repeated refrain of the word "Nevermore," which the raven speaks in response to the narrator’s questions. This repetition not only emphasizes the themes of loss and despair but also creates a haunting rhythm that elevates the poem’s overall impact.

As the narrator reflects on his grief and longing for his lost love, Lenore, the repetitive nature of "Nevermore" intensifies his feelings of hopelessness and the inevitability of his sorrow. The cyclical return to this word throughout the poem mirrors the obsessive thoughts of the narrator, amplifying the sense of madness that is central to the poem's atmosphere. Thus, repetition in "The Raven" effectively reinforces the thematic elements of mourning, memory, and the psychological struggle of the narrator.