My Ladys Grave

By Emily Bronte

Elegy
    The linnet in the rocky dells,     The moor-lark in the air,     The bee among the heather bells     That hide my lady fair:     The wild deer browse above her breast;     The wild birds raise their brood;     And they, her smiles of love caress'd,     Have left her solitude!     I ween that when the grave's dark wall     Did first her form retain,     They thought their hearts could ne'er recall     The light of joy again.     They thought the tide of grief would flow     Uncheck'd through future years;     But where is all their anguish now,     And where are all their tears?     Well, let them fight for honour's breath,     Or pleasure's shade pursue,     The dweller in the land of death     Is changed and careless too.     And if their eyes should watch and weep     Till sorrow's source were dry,     She would not, in her tranquil sleep,     Return a single sigh!     Blow, west wind, by the lonely mound:     And murmur, summer streams!     There is no need of other sound     To soothe my lady's dreams.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Elegys
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem exhibits a melancholic tone as it explores themes of loss, loneliness, and the unchanging nature of death. The poet employs a variety of natural elements, including birds, bees, deer, and even the wind, not only as key imagery but as metaphors that reflect the central themes. The linnet, moor-lark, and bee, for instance, symbolize life's vibrancy and the joy that once surrounded "my lady fair" in her lifetime. Their departure from the lady's side after her death emphasizes her solitude and the abrupt end of her vitality.

The structure of the poem, a series of elegiac quatrains with a rhyme scheme of ABAB, imparts a rhythmic, mournful quality that enhances its overall somber mood. This structure also underscores the cyclical nature of life and death, a theme further emphasized by the poet's references to the "grave's dark wall" and the "dweller in the land of death." The poet's use of rhetorical questions in the third stanza effectively conveys the futile nature of grief and tears in the face of death's finality. The last two lines, calling for the soothing sounds of nature, suggest a sense of acceptance, offering a poignant ending that emphasises the peace found in the lady's eternal sleep. This poem, overall, thoughtfully intertwines the beauty of nature with the universal experience of loss, offering a reflective journey through grief and acceptance.

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.