Possible answers to Carl's problem:
1. The raven is a sacred symbol in Japan, and Carl made a major blunder in reciting Poe's poem at the party. The senior manager mentioned the poem only to get Carl to rethink about the matter.
2. Carl should not have contributed to the entertainment in any way. This is to be done only by the Japanese guests and hosts.
3. Carl thought that the informality he observed at the party would also be part of the meeting at work.
4. Suggest your alternative.