At Castle Wood

By Emily Bronte

Elegy
    The day is done, the winter sun     Is setting in its sullen sky;     And drear the course that has been run,     And dim the hearts that slowly die.     No star will light my coming night;     No morn of hope for me will shine;     I mourn not heaven would blast my sight,     And I ne'er longed for joys divine.     Through life's hard task I did not ask     Celestial aid, celestial cheer;     I saw my fate without its mask,     And met it too without a tear.     The grief that pressed my aching breast     Was heavier far than earth can be;     And who would dread eternal rest     When labour's hour was agony?     Dark falls the fear of this despair     On spirits born of happiness;     But I was bred the mate of care,     The foster-child of sore distress.     No sighs for me, no sympathy,     No wish to keep my soul below;     The heart is dead in infancy,     Unwept-for let the body go.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is characterized by a somber and contemplative tone, with a major theme being the speaker's resignation and acceptance of his life's hardships and impending death. The poem's structure is consistent, composed of six quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme that adds a rhythmic quality to the speaker's melancholic musings.

The poem explores themes of desolation, despair, and the cessation of suffering through death. The speaker's use of dark and heavy imagery—such as a "sullen" winter sun, dim hearts, and a coming night without stars—creates a bleak and oppressive mood, reinforcing the speaker's sense of hopelessness and weariness. Moreover, the speaker's repeated assertions of his independence from divine intervention or solace, as well as his acceptance of his fate "without a tear," suggest a stoicism born of hardship, further deepening the poem's melancholic tone.

The final stanza offers a poignant summation of the speaker's journey, highlighting his birthright of pain and his longing for release through death. The use of the metaphor—a "heart is dead in infancy"—is a powerful and emotive device, emphasizing a life lived without joy or hope. Despite its grim subject matter, the poem possesses a lyrical beauty that underscores the speaker's stoic acceptance of his fate, adding depth and emotional resonance to this exploration of human suffering and the desire for peace.

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.