Introduction
The raven in Edgar Allan Poe's poem of the same name is a symbol of death, grief, and the hopelessness of sorrow, but Poe was not the first author to use a bird as a symbol.
In fact, he was borrowing from an entire idealogy about birds that already existed! Throughout history, birds have been used as symbols in literature, art, culture, religion, and mythology! The purpose of this quest is to research this topic.
Task
Using the internet and resources provided, research the use of birds as symbols in at least three categories, then analyze the similiarities and differences of what they represent in each. Analyze how ravens are viewed differently in various cultures and religions.
Process
Native American Bird mythology
Using the internet and the links provided, answer the following questions:
1. Choose one: culture, art, religion, literature.
Provide a few examples of bird symbols from this subject.
2. What type of birds appear over and over again in the world's myths and legends?
3. How were ravens portrayed in Norse mythology? What about Greek mythology?
4. Name three birds that have been used as symbols in Christianity and what they represent.
5. Choose a novel from the list below and briefly research how birds are used as symbols. Summarize your findings in writing:
To Kill a Mockingbird
Tess of the D'urbervilles
The Hunger Games
The Awakening