Stanzas

By Emily Bronte

    I'll not weep that thou art going to leave me,     There's nothing lovely here;     And doubly will the dark world grieve me,     While thy heart suffers there.     I'll not weep, because the summer's glory     Must always end in gloom;     And, follow out the happiest story     It closes with a tomb!     And I am weary of the anguish     Increasing winters bear;     Weary to watch the spirit languish     Through years of dead despair.     So, if a tear, when thou art dying,     Should haply fall from me,     It is but that my soul is sighing,     To go and rest with thee.

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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 poignant exploration of loss, despair, and the nature of existence. The speaker seems to be addressing a loved one who is about to depart from their life, a departure that brings forth a sense of sadness and resignation rather than revolt. The poem's tone is resolute but melancholic, acknowledging the inevitable cycle of life and death that even the "summer's glory" cannot escape.

The structure of the poem builds on this theme, using the cyclical nature of seasons as a metaphor for the human condition. The speaker's acceptance of this cycle is evident in their weary anticipation of increasing winters, symbolizing the progression of life and the approach of death. They express a longing to join their departing loved one in rest, a sentiment that adds an additional layer of sorrow and longing to the poem.

In terms of literary devices, the poet employs personification, giving emotions to the dark world and the summer's glory, thereby amplifying the emotional resonance of the poem. The use of alliteration in "weary of the anguish," "watch the spirit languish," and "years of dead despair" add a lyrical quality to the poem while underscoring its somber theme. The final couplet, with its tender acceptance of death as a form of rest, is especially striking. This poem, therefore, is a profound exploration of life's transience and the human capacity for love, sorrow, and acceptance in the face of inevitable loss.

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.