What does Stanza 15 mean in the Raven, by Edgar Allen Poe?

Question

"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil!--prophet still, if bird or devil!

Whether tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,

Desolate, yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted--

On this home by horror haunted--tell me truly, I implore:

Is there--is there balm in Gilead?--tell me--tell me I implore!"

Quoth the raven, "Nevermore."

Answer 1

It seems to me to be saying..."Though you may be evil and may lead me astray...I am desperate for an answer. I am here in this desolate place, I have no hope...please tell me whether or not I can hope for the future? (Balm in Gilead - biblical reference - balm is a soothing substance, Gilead represents promised land) Will this get any better?" And the answer is "No, there is no hope." It could be a reflection of Poe's own abysmal emotional and physical state. He was an alcoholic who seemed to have little hope in anything.