What caused the narrator to say that to the raven?

Answer 1

The narrator was hoping that the raven would ease his pain and sorrow.

Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer

Swung by Seraphim whose foot-falls tinkled on the tufted floor.

"Wretch," I cried, "thy God hath lent thee -- by these angels he hath sent thee

Respite -- respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore;

Quaff, O quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!"

Answer 2

The narrator repeatedly asks the raven questions in an attempt to find solace for his grief over the loss of Lenore. The raven's persistent reply of "Nevermore" eventually causes the narrator to lose his composure and express frustration and despair.

Answer 3

The narrator believes that a previous owner of the bird very often used the word 'nevermore' when complaining.