A Fragment. [1]

By George Gordon Byron

Elegy
    When, to their airy hall, my Fathers' voice     Shall call my spirit, joyful in their choice;     When, pois'd upon the gale, my form shall ride,     Or, dark in mist, descend the mountain's side;     Oh! may my shade behold no sculptur'd urns,     To mark the spot where earth to earth returns!     No lengthen'd scroll, no praise-encumber'd stone;     My epitaph shall be my name alone: [2]     If that with honour fail to crown my clay,     Oh! may no other fame my deeds repay!     That, only that, shall single out the spot;     By that remember'd, or with that forgot.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a meditation on the poet's desire to be remembered by their own name, unadorned by external markers or accolades. The speaker's voice is introspective and melancholic, as they contemplate the transience of human achievement and the fleeting nature of fame. The poem's formal structure, with its consistent meter and lineation, contributes to a sense of wistfulness and longing. The speaker's use of imagery and sound is also noteworthy, particularly in the lines My epitaph shall be my name alone and By that remember'd, or with that forgot. The word alone has a haunting quality, emphasizing the poet's desire for a simple, unencumbered recognition. The sound of the repeated os in Oh! and the soft, flowing ns in name and clay create a sense of gentle, lapping waves, underscoring the poet's desire to be remembered by the simplest, most basic of means. The poem's final line, By that remember'd, or with that forgot, offers a precise observation: the poet's legacy is ultimately tied to their own name, a fragile and ephemeral thing.

Understanding Elegy

An elegy is a form of poetry that expresses sorrow or lamentation, often for someone who has died. This type of poetry serves as a tribute to the deceased, reflecting on their life and the grief left behind.

Elegies are deeply emotional and personal, exploring themes of loss, mourning, and remembrance. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Mournful Tone: Elegies are characterized by a tone of sadness and reflection, as the poet grapples with the pain of loss.
  • Tribute to the Deceased: The subject of an elegy is often someone who has passed away, with the poem serving as a memorial that honors their life and legacy.
  • Personal Reflection: Elegies often include personal reflections on the impact of the deceased on the poet's life, as well as broader musings on mortality and the human condition.
  • Structure and Form: While elegies can vary in form, they often follow a traditional structure that includes an expression of grief, praise for the deceased, and a sense of consolation or acceptance.

From ancient times to the present, elegies have provided a way for poets to navigate the complexities of grief and loss, offering solace and a means of preserving the memory of those who have passed.