Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard | Pastoral Qualities of the "Elegy"
In the following essay, Kushner describes the pastoral qualities of the "Elegy," which contribute "to the sense that it tells a universal story which spans both nations and centuries."
One of the most famous poems in the history of the English language might never have been published if its author had had his way. Thomas Gray never tried to publish "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," and was quite dismayed to find that a journal he didn't like much chose to print it.
Once it was published—through a friend of Gray's who sent a copy in to the journal—the "Elegy" was a hit. The poem's grip on the readers of its time was no temporary fluke. Today, the "Elegy" still resonates with readers around the world. Much of that resonance is due to the great classic...
[The entire page is 1245 words long]
Join eNotes
The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:
Summary and Analysis – Themes – Characters – And much more...
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
Tell a friend about Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard at eNotes.
