Murder and Unkindness: Evolution of the Depiction and Perception of the Raven

Lauren Schneider & Dr. Colleen Delaney

Abstract

Throughout history cross-culturally, the raven has played a prominent role as a symbolic figure in folklore, myth, and origin. This strong, intelligent, and complicated corvid is portrayed as a messenger between the spirit world and the earthly world, associated with rebirth and creation, as well as death. However, in popular media of western culture, the raven is often depicted as a dark, ominous, and morbid creature. Tracing the raven’s appearance through historical record, this research serves to analyze the perception of the raven and how its symbolism is interpreted in western culture, specifically in western media. The intention of this examination is to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural influences that work together to mold the perception of the raven in western culture and how western media came to depict this prolific bird in the way that it does. It is shown through examples in western media, that the raven does carry darker implications as a symbol and in imagination.

Details

Session 2

3:00pm – 4:30pm

Grand Salon

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