An elegy is a form of poetry that expresses sorrow, mourning, or lamentation, typically for someone who has passed away. Rooted in classical Greek traditions, elegies often reflect on themes of loss, the inevitability of death, and the passage of time. They can also celebrate the life and legacy of the deceased, offering a meditation on the individual’s impact and the emotional response to their death.
W.H. Auden’s poem “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” is widely regarded as an elegy, as it fits the core characteristics of the genre. Written in 1939 after the death of the renowned poet W.B. Yeats, Auden’s poem is a reflection on Yeats’ passing and its emotional impact, which is a hallmark of elegiac writing. The poem begins by expressing the sorrow of Yeats’ death, stating, “He is dead,” and goes on to explore the various ways in which Yeats’ legacy lives on. Auden meditates on the loss of the poet’s voice and how the world has been left without his words.
However, Auden’s elegy is not simply an expression of grief. He also reflects on the nature of poetry and the role of the poet in society. The poem suggests that Yeats' death does not signify the end of his influence, as poetry, in Auden’s view, transcends the individual poet. The poem moves from personal lament to a broader reflection on art, immortality, and the impact of a poet’s work.
In conclusion, “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” is an elegy, but it goes beyond the traditional focus on grief. Auden uses the form to celebrate Yeats’ legacy, reflect on the role of poetry, and convey a message of continuity, showing how the power of the poet’s words endures after death.
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