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c. A raven looks dark, foreboding, and mysterious.
Poe may have chosen a raven specifically for its symbolism and association with death, darkness, and mystery. The raven's black plumage and reputation for being a harbinger of doom added to the eerie atmosphere of the poem and helped convey the sense of dread and despair felt by the narrator. Additionally, the raven's association with speaking or repeating phrases added to the haunting quality of the poem.