Question

Study Notes: "Elegy Written

in a Country Churchyard"
1. What descriptive details of na-
ture are particularly effective?
2. What is the theme of the poem?
3. Describe the mood of the poem.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

1. The poem contains many effective descriptive details of nature. The most effective of these are descriptions of the peacefulness of the country churchyard, such as the stillness of the night, the gentle breeze, and the ancient trees that shade the graves. Additionally, the poem also describes the beauty of the natural world, such as the stars in the sky, the birds in the trees, and the flowers that bloom in the churchyard.

2. The theme of the poem is the beauty of nature and the peacefulness of death. The speaker muses on the beauty of the natural world, and how it can bring solace and peace to those who have passed away. He reflects on how the peacefulness of the country churchyard can offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

3. The mood of the poem is one of wistfulness and contemplation. The speaker reflects on the beauty of nature and how it can comfort those who have passed away. He is filled with a sense of nostalgia and longing, as he reflects on the beauty of life and the peace of death.

Answer 2

1. What descriptive details of nature are particularly effective?

The descriptive details of nature in "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" are particularly effective in creating a sense of stillness and melancholy. The poem describes the setting of a quiet churchyard at dusk, with the sounds of nature such as the "moping owl" and "beetle's drowsy hum" adding to the sense of solitude and sadness. The description of the trees, grass, and flowers also contribute to the overall mood of the poem.

2. What is the theme of the poem?

The theme of the poem is the inevitability of death and the idea that all people, regardless of their social status, are equal in death. The poem reflects on the lives of the poor and uneducated individuals buried in the churchyard, contrasting their quiet lives with the fame and fortune of those buried in grand tombs. The poem suggests that in death, all people are equal, and their lives should be celebrated and remembered.

3. Describe the mood of the poem.

The mood of the poem is somber and reflective. The poem is filled with melancholy imagery and reflects on the transience of life. The tone of the poem is contemplative, as the speaker reflects on the lives of the people buried in the churchyard and contemplates his own mortality. Despite the sadness of the poem, there is a sense of reverence and respect for the lives of the people buried in the churchyard.