Edgar Allan Poe is best known for his dark and depressing writings. His poems Annabel Lee and The Raven are two examples. Although there are similarities between the two poems, there are also differences between them. Both poems have mythological references and strong symbolism throughout the poem. The differences in the poems are the differences between the narrators. The tones of the poems and the effects of the women's deaths on the narrator of the poem are the two main differences between the poems. Mythological references, such as God, angels, demons and souls. By adding these religious references, the setting is no longer in the realm of reason but in a more mystical, out-of-this-world place. The Setting in Annabel Lee Annabel Lee's demons are described as being in the ocean. This creates a darkness in the water surrounding not only where the narrator lives, but also where Annabel Lee's grave is located. This is an indication that the narrator feels as if he is constantly surrounded by evil. The bird in The Crow is supposed to be the demon sent to torment the narrator. The narrator asks the bird's name by referring to a Plutonian coast. “Plutonian” is a mythological reference to Hades. This shows that the narrator sees the bird as a messenger from Hades or hell. The bird is perched on a bust of Pallas. Pallas is the goddess of wisdom. Since the raven, a demonic presence, is perched on the goddess of wisdom, it foreshadows that the messenger is bringing the narrator dark knowledge. The crow not rising from its perch indicated two things. First, the knowledge that the bird brought with it looms over the narrator's head and that the narrator is haunted by his demons after Lenore's tale. The sea or ocean is usually a symbol of peace and calm. With the poem set by the sea, the entire setting becomes full of turmoil and depressing. The narrator and Annabel cannot escape the darkness because Annabel is dead and the narrator will not leave his beloved. The kingdom by the sea can be imagined with cold stone walls to resist erosion caused by the salt in the salt water and the cold winds that hit it. The images create a sense of loneliness, desolation, helplessness and isolation. All of these emotions embody the narrator's feelings throughout the poem due to his inability to be with his own