The famous or, one might say, infamous line from Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven": "Quoth the Raven 'Nevermore'", torments the psyche and characterizes the literature of the dark romanticism movement (Probst 282-6). Prevalent in the first half of the 19th century, this movement continued to gain momentum for decades thanks in part to the success of Edgar Allen Poe, Herman Melville, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Likewise, this popularity can be attributed to the subconscious interest in fear and pain (“Dark Romanticism and the Gothic Literature Movement” 6). The ideals of dark romance are not exclusive to this genre. There are many similarities and differences between Dark Romanticism and other literary movements such as Transcendentalism, Realism, and Puritanism. Dark Romanticism is characterized by its morbid and supernatural themes; normally refers to the self-destructive nature of humanity ("Dark Romanticism and the Gothic Literature Movement" 6). For dark romantics, the world is inherently evil (“Nathaniel Hawthorne & Dark Romanticism” 6). Any attempt to improve things will inevitably fail ("Dark Romanticism and the Gothic Literature Movement" 6). To continue with “The Crow,” the narrator is distressed by the loss of Lenore, his lover. The Raven serves as a manifestation of this pain and as a response to his pain. He is pulled deeper and deeper into this pain as the story progresses until he explodes in a fit of anger and finally depression. The constant response of “Nevermore” by the Crow is quite disturbing to the reader because it corresponds to the questions posed by the narrator in his descent into madness (Probst 282-6). "The Raven" is one of the most popular works of the period of dark romanticism. Other notable works include: "The Fall of the House of Usher"...... middle of paper ...... and Puritanism, and extends through realism and the present day. His influence will most likely spread into future literary eras. Works Cited Bright Hub Education Writer. A Look at American Romanticism versus Transcendentalism: Literary and Philosophical Movements. Bright Hub Education, January 24, 2013. Web. March 18, 2014. Dark Romanticism and the Gothic Literary Movement. Corona-Norco Unified School District, nd Powerpoint. March 18, 2014.Nathaniel Hawthorne and Dark Romanticism. View Park Preparatory High School and Powerpoint. March 18, 2014.Probst, Robert et al. Elements of Literature: Fifth Course. vol. 5. Austin, Texas: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1997. Print. Elements of Literature.Romanticism. Encyclopedia Britannica Online, December 26, 2013. Web. March 18, 2014. The Dark Romantics or the Gothic Romantics. Scott County Schools and PowerPoint. March 18. 2014.