A Reminiscence

Author: Anne Bronte

    Yes, thou art gone ! and never more
    Thy sunny smile shall gladden me ;
    But I may pass the old church door,
    And pace the floor that covers thee.

    May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
    And think that, frozen, lies below
    The lightest heart that I have known,
    The kindest I shall ever know.

    Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
    'Tis still a comfort to have seen ;
    And though thy transient life is o'er,
    'Tis sweet to think that thou hast been ;

    To think a soul so near divine,
    Within a form so angel fair,
    United to a heart like thine,
    Has gladdened once our humble sphere.
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Type of Poem: Elegy

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a poignant meditation on loss, memory, and the enduring power of love. The speaker grapples with the departure of a beloved figure, yet finds solace in the memory of their shared past. The poem is structured in four quatrains, each exploring a different aspect of the speaker's emotional journey. The use of exclamation marks in the first and final verses underscores the intensity of the speaker's feelings and highlights their struggle to come to terms with their grief.

The poem's tone is elegiac, marked by a profound sense of melancholy and longing. Yet, there is also an undercurrent of gratitude and consolation. The speaker takes comfort in having known the departed, and cherishes the memory of their "sunny smile" and "kindest" heart. The metaphor of the "old church door" and the "cold, damp stone" evokes a powerful sense of place and reinforces the theme of loss. The imagery of light and warmth associated with the departed further enhances the emotional depth of the poem.

The poet skillfully employs a range of literary devices to convey the speaker's emotional turmoil. The repetition of the word "think" in the third quatrain emphasizes the importance of memory in the process of grief. The use of paradox in the lines "though I cannot see thee more, / 'Tis still a comfort to have seen" reflects the speaker's struggle to reconcile their loss with the joy once brought by the departed. Finally, the personification of the departed as a divine, angelic figure suggests a transcendence of the earthly realm, providing the speaker - and the reader - with a sense of closure and 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.