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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"The Grave of Rury" is a poem written by Thomas William Rolleston, an Irish poet, translator, and writer born in 1857. The poem was published in his collection of poems, "The High Deeds of Finn and Other Bardic Romances of Ancient Ireland" in 1910. While the poem's subject is named "Rury," a nickname for the Irish Ruaidri [Rory in English], the poet was referencing Roderic O'Connor [Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair in Irish], the last native Irish king to hold the title of High King of Ireland. “The Grave of Rury” is a mournful tribute to the Irish king on his death and the corresponding demise of Irish independence.The poem deals with various themes, including death, grief, and the transience of life. The poet presents the idea that death is an inevitable part of life and that we must all face it at some point. The poem focuses on the loss of a loved one, and the feelings of grief and sorrow that come with it. The poem also touches upon the idea that no matter how much we try to hold on to life, it is ultimately fleeting and temporary. The poem is structured in seven stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, which gives the poem a smooth and flowing rhythm. The language used in the poem is simple, yet powerful, and the imagery is vivid and evocative. The poem begins with the speaker describing the grave of Rury, a reference to Roderic O'Connor. The speaker talks about the flowers that grow on the grave, which symbolize the beauty of life that has now come to an end. The poem talks about the birds that sing above the grave, which represent the continuing cycle of life and death. And the sorrow and grief that comes with the loss of a loved one, which is a reflection of the sadness felt by the Irish people at the end of O'Connor's reign. The poem concludes with the speaker acknowledging the transience of life and the importance of remembering and honoring those who have passed, which was call to remember Roderic O'Connor's legacy. Overall, "The Grave of Rury" is a poignant and reflective poem that deals with the universal themes of death and grief. While the identity of Rury is not explicitly stated, it is possible that the poem is referencing Roderic O'Connor, the last High King of Ireland. The poem emphasizes the transience of life and the importance of cherishing the memories of those who have passed away, which may be seen as a call to remember Roderic O'Connor's legacy. The poem is beautifully written and evokes a sense of sadness and nostalgia in the reader. *NOTE: Roderic O'Connor, known as Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair in Irish, was the last High King of Ireland before the Anglo-Norman invasion who reigned from 1166 to 1198. He was the last native Irish king to hold the title of High King and is considered one of the most significant figures in Irish history. O'Connor is known for his military campaigns against the Anglo-Norman invaders and for his efforts to unite the Irish clans against a common enemy. He was eventually deposed by the Anglo-Normans in 1198, and this marked the end of the independent Irish monarchy.
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