# The Ray; The Raven explained — How to Tell the Birds from the Flowers and Other Woodcuts

> Chapter companion for How to Tell the Birds from the Flowers and Other Woodcuts by Robert Williams Wood.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_to_tell_the_birds_from_the_flowers_and_other_se/chapters/the-ray-the-raven
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_to_tell_the_birds_from_the_flowers_and_other_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_to_tell_the_birds_from_the_flowers_and_other_se/chapters