Annabel Lee
by Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe wrote “Annabel Lee” in 1849. It was his last complete poem and would not be published until after his death in October 1849. A sad poem, many scholars believe it refers to the death of his wife, Virginia, in 1847 at the age of 24.
Reading Comprehension Passage
Annabel Lee
by Edgar Allan Poe
Reading Comprehension Questions
Vocabulary List
Vocabulary List
Each of the vocabulary words below are used in the reading passage. As you read the passage, pay attention to context clues that suggest the word’s meaning.
- seraphs
- coveted
- sepulchre
- dissever
- night-tide
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) “With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven / Coveted her and me”
a. birds, especially lovebirds b. cirrus clouds c. angels or cherubs d. fairies or pixies
2) “With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven / Coveted her and me”
a. covered; enclosed b. comforted or soothed c. granted; gave d. envied; wanted
3) “To shut her up in a sepulchre / In this kingdom by the sea”
a. grass roof cottage b. tower or turret c. grave or tomb d. prison; dungeon
4) Nor the demons down under the sea, / Can ever dissever my soul from the soul / Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.
a. separate; divide b. save or restore c. unite; join d. be worthy of; deserve
5) all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
a. fortnight; two weeks b. time after the early tide c. eternity d. dusk to dawn; night