“Thyrsis” as an Elegy.

Answer

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

Elegy is a kind of poem that talks about sadness and loss. It’s like a song of sorrow, often written to remember someone who has died. Elegies can also be about something that’s gone or changed in a way that makes people sad. One famous example of an elegy is “Thyrsis” (1866) by Matthew Arnold (1822-1888).

Remembering a Friend: “Thyrsis” is a poem by Matthew Arnold about the loss of his friend, Arthur Hugh Clough. Arnold and Clough were both poets and good friends. In the poem, Arnold talks about the beautiful countryside where they used to spend time together. The poet says about his beloved friend:

Our friend, the Gipsy-Scholar, was not dead;

While the tree lived, he in these fields lived on

He remembers the happy moments they shared and feels sad that Clough is no longer there with him.

Describing Nature and Friendship: Arnold uses nature to describe his feelings about Clough’s death. He talks about the trees, fields, and rivers they enjoyed together. These natural images help Arnold express his sadness and longing for his friend. 

Ah me! this many a year

My pipe is lost, my shepherd’s holiday!

He compares Clough to a shepherd who takes care of sheep and says that Clough is like a shepherd who has gone away.

Feeling Sadness and Loss: Throughout the poem, Arnold expresses his deep sadness and sense of loss. He talks about how much he misses Clough and how different the world feels without him. Arnold wishes that Clough could come back, but he knows that it’s not possible. He says that Clough’s voice can no longer be heard in the fields or by the rivers. So, the poet mourns for his beloved friends:

Of storms that rage outside our happy ground;

He could not wait their passing, he is dead.

Finding Comfort in Memories: Even though