Does the writer allude to biblical or mythological literature? for what purpose? and What aspects of work create deep universal responses to it?

In
the poem href=""> by href="">Edgar Allan Poe, the
author makes biblical references in relation to the raven. For instance, he calls the raven a
prophet, but is also not sure if the bird is a prophet or a devil. Poe writes:

"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil!prophet still, if
bird or devil!
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here
ashore"

When the bird arrives, the author is
lamenting his lost love, . Like a mythological creature, the bird has human-like capabilities.
He does this to imbue supernatural qualities in the bird. Specifically, the raven can talk.
However, maddeningly for the author, the bird says only Nevermore. Regardless of what the
author asks, the birds response is always Nevermore.

Because the author
thinks the bird is a mythical or biblical creature like the seraphim, also mentioned in the
poem, he asks about Lenore:

By that Heaven that bends
above usby that God we both adore
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the
distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore

Again, all the bird will say is Nevermore. This pattern of asking
the bird and getting back only Nevermore begins to drive the poet mad. In fact, the bird might
really be nothing more than the reflection of the authors own increasing madness, as his
obsession with Lenore grows.

In another biblical reference, the poet asks the
bird, Is there balm in Gilead? Balm of Gilead represents a cure, presumably for his love
sickness. It is mentioned in the New Testament. In other words, will the poet ever get over
Lenore or find her again?

The reader can sympathize with the authors deep and
unrequited love. The meter of the poem, plus the use of the supernatural dialogue with the
stone-faced bird help build the rising tension, as the poet continues to berate the bird. In
this way, the poem evokes intense responses by general readers.