In "The Raven," how does the significance of the word "nevermore" change each time it is spoken?

Great question! The word "Nevermore" and its use in this
poem is particularly crucial to the overall feeling and dread and suspense that Poe
creates. Consider how the different meanings of this word are actually dictated by the
narrator in the poem, rather than the bird itself. All the raven says is "Nevermore," it
is the narrator of the poem who gives that word a meaning and leads himself on into a
terrible cycle of depression and darkness.

"Nevermore"
first means that the raven will not forsake the speaker; then that there is no relief,
and finally that the raven will give him no peace. Consider how this last meaning is
dictated by what is said to the raven by the
narrator:

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"Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy
form from off my door!"

Quote the Raven
"Nevermore."

Of course, the
fact that "Lenore" and "Nevemore" rhyme, means that with every answer the narrator is
haunted with the echo of her name, and he is kept being reminded of
her.