Style and Technique
"Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," penned by Thomas Gray, is crafted in a form known as heroic quatrains. Each quatrain comprises four lines, adhering to a rhyme scheme of abab, and is composed in iambic pentameter. An iamb consists of a pair of syllables where the first is unstressed followed by a stressed syllable, much like the rhythmic pattern in the phrase "the world." Pentameter signifies that each line contains five of these iambic feet. Take, for example, the opening line of Gray's elegy:
The Curfew tolls the knell of parting day.
Upon scanning the line to recognize its pattern of stresses, it unfolds as follows:
The Cur / few tolls / the knell / of part / ing day.
Reading the line aloud reveals its regular and steady cadence, which contributes significantly to the poem’s tranquil and contemplative atmosphere, perfectly complementing its reflective themes.
Expert Q&A
Analysis of Themes, Tone, and Characteristics in "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard"
Thomas Gray's "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" blends elements of Romanticism and Neo-classicism, exploring themes of death, mortality, and social equality. Romantic traits include its pastoral setting, focus on individualism, and emotional introspection, while Neo-classical features are evident in its measured tone, classical references, and personification. The elegy mourns the inevitability of death, highlighting the shared fate of all humans regardless of status. Its universal appeal lies in its reflection on mortality and the equal significance of all lives, famous or ordinary.
Imagery and Mood in Gray's "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard"
In "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," Thomas Gray successfully creates an elegiac atmosphere through vivid imagery and mood. The poem opens with a somber tone, depicting the fading light, tolling church bell, and weary plowman, establishing a sense of melancholy and finality. Gray's use of imagery evokes a peaceful yet melancholic pastoral scene, reflecting on the lives and deaths of common people. This imagery sets the stage for meditations on mortality and the inevitable passage of life, enhancing the elegiac mood.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
