Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Last Days of Queen Elizabeth" is a historical poem by Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, an English novelist, poet, and playwright. The poem was first published in 1843 as part of a collection of Bulwer-Lytton's poetry.

Explanation:

"Last Days of Queen Elizabeth" is a narrative poem that tells the story of the final days of Queen Elizabeth I of England, who ruled from 1558 to 1603. The poem is set in the year 1603, during which Queen Elizabeth I lay on her deathbed, surrounded by her advisors and attendants.

In the poem, the Queen is depicted as a wise and noble ruler who is deeply loved and respected by her people. As she lies dying, her advisors and attendants gather around her, each vying for power and influence in the uncertain times ahead.

Bulwer-Lytton's language is rich and poetic, with vivid imagery used to convey the grandeur and solemnity of the scene. The poem is a celebration of Queen Elizabeth I and her legacy, as well as a reminder of the fragility of power and the inevitability of mortality.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem consists of 15 stanzas with varying numbers of lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB.
• Imagery: Bulwer-Lytton uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to create a grand and solemn atmosphere. Examples include "the mighty canopy of state," "the gray-haired counselors of the realm," and "the diadem's imperial blaze."
• Personification: The poem features personification, with death depicted as a dark and malevolent force. Examples include "the skeleton king with his dart," and "the iron sceptre that all must obey."
• Historical Allusion: The poem makes allusions to the historical context of Queen Elizabeth I's reign, including references to the Spanish Armada and the Tudor dynasty.

Summary:

"Last Days of Queen Elizabeth" is a historical poem that celebrates the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Bulwer-Lytton's language is rich and poetic, with vivid imagery used to convey the grandeur and solemnity of the scene. The poem is a reminder of the fragility of power and the inevitability of mortality, as well as a tribute to one of England's most iconic and beloved monarchs.