“Thyrsis” as an Elegy.

Answer

What is elegy? Discuss “Thyrsis” as an elegy. 

An elegy is a sad poem that mourns someone’s death. It is written to express grief or sorrow. It is usually written in serious and thoughtful language. In an elegy, the poet remembers the life of the person who has died, praises their qualities, and also talks about his own feelings of loss. Elegies also include a message of hope or comfort at the end.

“Thyrsis” as an Elegy: “Thyrsis” is an elegy written in 1865 by Matthew Arnold (1822-1888). In this poem, the poet mourns the death of his close friend, Arthur Hugh Clough, who was also a poet. Arnold calls Clough “Thyrsis,” which is the name of a shepherd-poet in Greek mythology. The poem is full of natural images, memories, and deep emotions.

Personal Grief and Loss: One important feature of an elegy is that the poet expresses personal sorrow. In this poem, Arnold remembers the happy times he spent with his friend, Clough, in the Oxford countryside. Now that his friend is gone, he feels lonely and sad. He says:

“Yes, thou art gone! and round me too the night

In ever-nearing circle…”

These lines show that the poet feels darkness around him. The darkness is coming closer as time passes. This means the poet is in deep sorrow after losing his friend.

Nature and Memories: Arnold uses many natural images like trees, hills, flowers, fields, and the River Thames. These are not just decorations. They bring back memories of the past. He remembers how he and Clough enjoyed the peaceful countryside together. But now, everything has changed. He writes:

“Where are the mowers…?

They all are gone, and thou art gone as well!”

These lines show how nature itself reminds the poet of the loss of his friend.

Praise of the Dead Friend: In an elegy, the poet praises the person who died. Arnold does this by comparing