Short Answer 
The poet establishes suspense by expressing the speaker’s fear and uncertainty about a mysterious noise, engaging readers in the unfolding dread. Edgar Allan Poe skillfully uses psychological elements in “The Raven” to illustrate the narrator’s emotional turmoil, with the raven symbolizing both sorrow and horror as he confronts his grief.
Step 1: Establishing Suspense
The poet skillfully creates a sense of suspense in the stanza by conveying the speaker’s emotions of fear and uncertainty regarding the mysterious noise. This technique keeps readers engaged, as they are left wondering what might be lurking in the shadows. The anticipation builds as the speaker grapples with feelings of dread while exploring the situation around them.
Step 2: The Master of Horror
Edgar Allan Poe, renowned for his mastery in the horror genre, effectively uses psychological elements to enhance suspense. In his poem “The Raven,” he portrays the character’s deep-seated fears and emotional turmoil. The combination of fear and longing creates a complex emotional landscape, highlighting the narrator’s conflicting feelings toward the loss of his beloved.
Step 3: Symbolism of the Raven
Within the poem, the raven serves as a powerful symbol of both sorrow and horror. As the narrator grapples with the loss of his loved one, the raven represents his grief while simultaneously instilling a sense of terror at the possibility of encountering her spirit. This duality in symbolism enriches the narrative, allowing readers to experience the protagonist’s emotional struggle.