In Edgar Allan Poe’s poem ‘Annabel Lee’, the word ‘dissever’ means to separate or to divide. The usage of this term is particularly poignant in the context of the poem, as it underscores the theme of loss and the emotional turmoil that the speaker experiences after the death of his beloved Annabel Lee.
The line in which ‘dissever’ appears reflects the narrator’s deep connection with Annabel Lee, emphasizing that even death cannot fully separate their souls. This word choice evokes a sense of sorrow and longing, illustrating how the bond between the narrator and Annabel Lee transcends physical separation. Instead of simply saying that death divided them, ‘dissever’ conveys a more intense and heartbreaking sense of fragmentation, adding to the poem’s haunting beauty.