How does poe use symbols to add layers of meaning to his writing? Edgar allan poe uses various symbols to add meaning and character to his writing, especially in The raven , one of poe’s classics . The raven is about a man who is interrupted from his grieving and reading of forgotten lore by a stately raven, named nevermore. In The raven Poe uses symbols like the bust of Pallas. He used “Not a minute stopped or stayed he; but with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door. perched upon a bust of Pallas, just above my chamber door.” This symbolizes that the bird is sat upon a bust of Pallas, Pallas is the god of wisdom, as the bird sits on wisdom the narrator believes that the bird can give him the answers he so desperately needs
