'Bring, In This Timeless Grave To Throw' by A.E. Housman

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A Shropshire Lad1886XLVIBring, in this timeless grave to throw
No cypress, sombre on the snow;
Snap not from the bitter yew
His leaves that live December through;
Break no rosemary, bright with rime
And sparkling to the cruel crime;
Nor plod the winter land to look
For willows in the icy brook
To cast them leafless round him: bring
To spray that ever buds in spring.But if the Christmas field has kept
Awns the last gleaner overstept,
Or shrivelled flax, whose flower is blue
A single season, never two;
Or if one haulm whose year is o'er
Shivers on the upland frore,
--Oh, bring from hill and stream and plain
Whatever will not flower again,
To give him comfort: he and those
Shall bide eternal bedfellows
Where low upon the couch he lies
Whence he never shall arise.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Bring, In This Timeless Grave To Throw: A Timeless Elegy

A.E. Housman's "Bring, In This Timeless Grave To Throw" is a timeless elegy that explores the themes of grief, death, and the transience of life. It is a poem that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers even today. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem and examine its structure, language, imagery, and themes.

Structure

The poem consists of four stanzas, with each stanza comprising of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The regularity of the rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical quality, which is fitting for a poem that deals with death and mourning.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker implores to "bring, in this timeless grave to throw" the flowers that were once dear to the departed. The second stanza describes the transient nature of life, as even the "loveliest and the best" are eventually forgotten. The third stanza acknowledges the sorrow and grief that comes with death, as the speaker asks "what shall I say, when my tongue is dry?" The final stanza serves as a call to action, as the speaker urges the reader to "bring" the flowers to the grave and remember the departed.

Language

The language of the poem is simple and straightforward, with no elaborate metaphors or imagery. However, this simplicity only serves to enhance the emotional impact of the poem. The repetition of the word "bring" throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's plea to remember the deceased. The repetition of words such as "timeless" and "deathless" conveys the idea that although the physical body may decay, the memory of the departed lives on.

The use of the word "throw" in the first line may seem jarring at first, but upon closer examination, it is a deliberate choice. The word "throw" suggests a lack of care or consideration, which contrasts with the speaker's plea to remember the departed. This contrast highlights the idea that although life may be transient, the memory of those we have lost should not be treated as disposable.

Imagery

The imagery of the poem is sparse, but effective. The image of the flowers being thrown into the grave is a powerful one, as it symbolizes the fleeting nature of life. The image of the "deathless dead" in the second stanza is a poignant one, as it suggests that although the physical body may die, the memory of the departed lives on. The image of the "silent dust" in the final stanza is a stark reminder of the inevitability of death.

Themes

The main theme of the poem is the transience of life and the importance of remembering those who have passed away. The speaker implores the reader to "bring" the flowers to the grave, emphasizing the idea that although life may be fleeting, the memory of the departed should be cherished.

Another theme of the poem is grief and sorrow. The speaker acknowledges the pain that comes with death, asking "what shall I say, when my tongue is dry?" This line conveys the idea that words are inadequate in expressing the depth of one's grief.

The final theme of the poem is the inevitability of death. The image of the "silent dust" in the final stanza serves as a reminder that death comes for us all eventually. However, the poem also suggests that although death may be inevitable, the memory of those we have lost lives on.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Bring, In This Timeless Grave To Throw" is a timeless elegy that explores the themes of grief, death, and the transience of life. The poem's simple language and structure only serve to enhance its emotional impact, and the repetition of the word "bring" emphasizes the importance of remembering those we have lost. Although the poem may be over a century old, its themes are still relevant today, making it a true masterpiece of English literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Bring, In This Timeless Grave To Throw: A Masterpiece of A.E. Housman

A.E. Housman, the renowned English poet, is known for his melancholic and nostalgic poetry. His works often revolve around themes of death, loss, and the transience of life. One of his most famous poems, "Bring, In This Timeless Grave To Throw," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that captures the essence of mortality and the inevitability of death.

The poem is a short elegy, consisting of only four stanzas, each with four lines. The simplicity of the structure is deceptive, as the poem is rich in imagery and emotion. The title itself sets the tone for the poem, as it suggests a sense of finality and permanence. The phrase "timeless grave" implies that death is an eternal state, and that once we are buried, we are forever separated from the living.

The first stanza of the poem sets the scene for the rest of the elegy. The speaker addresses the mourners, asking them to bring the body to the grave. The use of the word "bring" is significant, as it implies that the body is being carried from one place to another. This movement is symbolic of the journey from life to death, and the idea that death is a transition rather than an end.

The second stanza is where the poem truly shines. The speaker describes the grave as a place of rest and peace, where the dead can finally find solace. The imagery used in this stanza is particularly powerful, as the speaker describes the grave as a place where "the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest." This line is a reference to Job 3:17, where Job laments his existence and wishes for death. The use of biblical imagery adds a sense of gravitas to the poem, and reinforces the idea that death is a universal experience.

The third stanza is perhaps the most poignant of the four. The speaker addresses the dead directly, telling them that they are now free from the pain and suffering of life. The use of the word "free" is significant, as it implies that death is a release from the burdens of existence. The speaker also acknowledges that death is a natural part of life, and that we must all eventually succumb to it. The line "the rain may fall and the wind may blow" is a reminder that life goes on, even in the face of death.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker once again addresses the mourners. The use of the word "farewell" is significant, as it implies a sense of finality and closure. The speaker acknowledges that the dead are gone, and that they will never return. However, the final line of the poem offers a glimmer of hope, as the speaker suggests that the dead are not truly gone, but are simply "hidden from our eyes." This line is a reminder that death is not an end, but a transition to a different state of being.

Overall, "Bring, In This Timeless Grave To Throw" is a masterpiece of elegiac poetry. The simplicity of the structure belies the complexity of the themes and imagery used in the poem. Housman's use of biblical references and natural imagery adds a sense of universality to the poem, and reinforces the idea that death is a natural part of life. The poem is a poignant reminder of the transience of life, and the inevitability of death. However, it also offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that death is not an end, but a transition to a different state of being.

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