How to Tell the Birds from the Flowers and Other Woodcuts · Chapter
The Ray; The Raven explained
The narrator expresses a strong dislike for the Ray (or skate), criticizing its ugly mouth, misplaced eyes, and lack of a face.
What happens
The narrator expresses a strong dislike for the Ray (or skate), criticizing its ugly mouth, misplaced eyes, and lack of a face. In contrast, the Raven is preferred despite its black, morose appearance and its association with Edgar Allan Poe. The chapter highlights the visual and perceptual differences between the two creatures.
Themes in this chapter
Visual Perception and Deception
The chapter contrasts the appearance of the Ray and the Raven, emphasizing how visual cues (color, features) lead to identification and preference.
Cultural and Literary Reference
Direct allusion to Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven' and the cultural association of ravens with death and gloom.
Characters to notice
- The Doe, the Dodo
Implied as the narrator expressing preference for the Raven over the Ray.
- the Birds
Referenced indirectly through the Raven and Ray, both of which are birds or fish-like creatures.
Key passages
“I always sing the hymn of hate, When I perceive the Ray (or skate) His ugly mouth I can’t abide, His eyes are on the other side, His features are all out of place He hasn’t even any face.”
I always express strong dislike when I see a Ray (or skate); I cannot stand its ugly mouth, its eyes are on the wrong side, its features are misarranged, and it lacks a proper face.
The narrator's visceral reaction to the Ray's physical oddities.
“I do not mind the Raven, though Maligned by Edgar Allan Poe: By his fun‑er‑ial array We recognize him from the Ray, Whose epiderm is white as snow, Not black as night, like Mr. Crow.”
I don't dislike the Raven, even though Edgar Allan Poe portrayed it negatively; its funeral-like appearance helps us distinguish it from the Ray, which has white skin, unlike the black Crow.
Contrast between the Raven's dark, poetic image and the Ray's pale, featureless appearance.
“Though black, morose, and quite unshaven I’m sure we all prefer the Raven.”
Even though the Raven is black, gloomy, and rough-looking, I am certain everyone prefers it over the Ray.
Final affirmation of preference for the Raven despite its negative traits.