Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Grave of a Suicide" is a poem by Alfred Tennyson, one of the most famous poets of the Victorian era. Tennyson lived from 1809 to 1892, and during his lifetime he was appointed Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland. This poem was published in 1830 as part of Tennyson's collection of poems called "Poems, Chiefly Lyrical." At the time, suicide was a taboo topic, and this poem was notable for its sympathetic portrayal of a suicide victim.

Content:

The poem is about the burial of a suicide victim. The speaker describes how the victim's body is taken to the churchyard at night, with no mourners to accompany it. The speaker laments the fact that the victim had no one to turn to in life and that now even in death, there is no one to mourn their passing. The poem ends with a poignant image of the victim's trembling lips, which seem to reveal the agony that they went through in life.

Form:

The poem consists of four stanzas of varying lengths, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCC. The meter of the poem is iambic pentameter, which gives it a flowing, musical quality. The poem is written in a formal, elevated style, with a focus on the beauty of the language.

Poetic Elements:

Tennyson makes use of several poetic devices in this poem, including alliteration, assonance, and repetition. For example, in the first stanza, the repetition of the "s" sound in "mournful notes and stern" creates a somber, melancholy mood. In the second stanza, the repetition of the phrase "none to weep" emphasizes the sense of isolation and loneliness that the victim experienced.

Summary:

"The Grave of a Suicide" is a powerful and moving poem that highlights the tragedy of suicide and the importance of compassion and empathy for those who are suffering. Tennyson's use of poetic language and devices adds to the emotional impact of the poem, and his sympathetic portrayal of the victim is both rare and powerful for its time. Overall, this poem is a testament to Tennyson's skill as a poet and his commitment to exploring difficult and taboo subjects through his work.

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