Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Burial-Place" is a reflective and contemplative poem written by William Allingham, an Irish poet, and diarist. Allingham was born in 1824 and had a deep connection with the natural beauty of his native Ireland, which often served as a recurring theme in his works. He was associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the literary circles of the 19th century. "A Burial-Place" was published in his collection titled "Life and Phantasy" in 1889.

Theme Analysis: The central theme of "A Burial-Place" revolves around the poet's contemplation of his final resting place. The poem begins by setting the scene near the Erne River, where ancient burial mounds overlook the mingling waters of the river and the Atlantic Ocean. The poet envisions his eventual death and burial, expressing a wish for his ashes to be interred alongside those who walked the earth centuries ago.

The poem celebrates the continuity of life and the connection of the poet's mortal existence to the land and the sea. By choosing a burial site near nature's elements, Allingham emphasizes his desire to remain intertwined with the natural world even after death. The eternal presence of the river, ocean, and mountains symbolizes the timeless cycle of life and death, transcending individual human lives.

Poetic Devices: Allingham employs various poetic devices to enhance the emotive impact of the poem. The use of personification is evident in lines such as "The silver salmon shooting up the fall, / Itself at once the arrow and the bow," where the salmon becomes a living arrow in its natural habitat. Such imagery not only adds depth to the poem but also connects the human mortality of the poet to the eternal rhythms of nature.

The poem's vivid descriptions of the surrounding landscape, such as "The gentle washing of the harbor wave" and "purple mountains," evoke a sense of nostalgia and reminiscence, reinforcing the poet's emotional connection to his homeland.

Conclusion: "A Burial-Place" by William Allingham is a reflective and poignant poem that contemplates the poet's eventual mortality and final resting place. Through rich imagery and descriptive language, the poem celebrates the enduring beauty of nature and its continuity with human life. Allingham's desire to be buried near the elements of earth, water, and mountains highlights his wish to be connected with the eternal rhythms of nature after death. Overall, the poem serves as a meditation on the cyclical nature of life and the enduring legacy that individuals leave behind, evoking a sense of peace and acceptance in the face of mortality.

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