I'm writing this blog as a part of Assignment assign by our professor Dr. Dilip Barad, from English Department, MKBU. In this assignment, the topic which I'm going to deal with is 'the Momentous works of Thomas Gray.'
■ Personal Information ■
Name: Unnati Baroliya
Batch: M.A Sem 1( 2023-25)
Enrollment number: 5108230002
Email Address: unnatibaroliya@gmail.com
Roll no: 32
■ Assignment details ■
Topic: Momentous works of Thomas Gray
Paper: Literature of The Neo-classical Period
Paper number: 102
Subject code: 22393
Submitted to: Smt. S. B Gardi Department of English M.K.B.U
♧ Points to ponder♧
■ Abstract
■ Key words
■ About the Poet
■ Life and education
■ Themes
■ Works and Genre
■ Notable works
■ Conclusion
■ Reference
♧ Abstract ♧
Thomas Gray's momentous work, "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," reflects on mortality, the transient nature of life, and the universal human experience. Through eloquent verses, Gray contemplates the lives of ordinary people buried in a rural churchyard, exploring themes of ambition, social class, and the impact of time on human achievements. The poem, written in 1750, is a poignant meditation on the brevity of life and the enduring legacy of those who are often overlooked.
♧key words♧
Poet, Life, Education, Themes, Works, Geners, Elegy writen in Country Churchyard, Ode on the Spring, A Pindaric Ode.
♧ About the Poet♧
Thomas Gray was born on Dec. 26, 1716, London and died in July 30, 1771, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England.
He was an English poet whose “An Elegy Written in a Country Church Yard” is one of the best known of English lyric poems. Although his literary output was slight, he was the dominant poetic figure in the mid-18th century and a father of the Romantic movement.
Thomas Gray was born in Cornhill, London. His father, Philip Gray, was a writer and his mother, Dorothy Antrobus, was a hatmaker. He was the fifth of twelve children, and the only one to survive infancy. An 1803 newspaper article including a biography of Gray suggests that Gray almost died in infancy due to suffocation from a fullness of blood. However, his mother "ventured to open a vein with her own hand, which instantly removed the access," saving his life. He lived with his mother after she left his abusive and mentally unwell father.
Gray's mother paid for him to go to Eton College, where his uncles Robert worked. Robert became Gray's first teacher and helped inspire in Gray a love for botany and observational science. Gray's other uncle, William, became his tutor. He recalled his schooldays as a time of great happiness, as is evident in his "Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College". Gray was a delicate and scholarly boy who spent his time reading and avoiding athletics. He lived in his uncle's household rather than at college. He made three close friends at Eton: Horace Walpole, son of the Prime Minister Robert Walpole; Thomas Ashton; and Richard West, son of another Richard West (who was briefly Lord Chancellor of Ireland). The four prided themselves on their sense of style, sense of humour, and appreciation of beauty. They were called the "quadruple alliance".
In 1738, he accompanied his old school friend Walpole on his Grand Tour of Europe, possibly at Walpole's expense. The two fell out and parted in Tuscany because Walpole wanted to attend fashionable parties and Gray wanted to visit all the antiquities. They were reconciled a few years later. It was Walpole who later helped publish Gray's poetry. When Gray sent his most famous poem, "Elegy", to Walpole, Walpole sent off the poem as a manuscript and it appeared in different magazines. Gray then published the poem himself and received the credit he was due.
♧Themes ♧
■ Themes of His Work:
Mortality and Death: Gray's poetry frequently contemplates the transitory nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the idea that all individuals, regardless of their station in life, are subject to mortality.
Nature and Romanticism: While he predates the Romantic era, Gray's poetry often displays a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and its ability to inspire emotional responses.
The Sublime: Gray's works incorporate elements of the sublime, emphasizing the awe-inspiring power of nature and the human capacity for introspection.
♧Works and Genre♧
Gray is most famous for his poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," which is considered one of the greatest English elegies.
His other notable works include "Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College" and "The Bard."
Gray's poetry is often categorized as part of the "Graveyard School" due to his focus on mortality, reflection on death, and melancholic themes.
♧Notable works♧
■ ' Elegy written in country churchyard ': Elegy masterpiece
It is believed by a number of writers that Gray began writing arguably his most celebrated piece, the Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, in the graveyard of St Giles' parish church in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire (though this claim is not exclusive), in 1742. After several years of leaving it unfinished, he completed it in 1750 (see elegy for the form). Its reflective, calm, and stoic tone was greatly admired, and it was pirated, imitated, quoted, and translated into Latin and Greek. It is still one of the most popular and frequently quoted poems in the English language.
In 1759, during the Seven Years War, before the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, British General James Wolfe is said to have recited it to one of his officers, adding, "I would prefer being the author of that Poem to the glory of beating the French to-morrow."
The Elegy was recognised immediately for its beauty and skill. It contains many phrases which have entered the common English lexicon, either on their own or as quoted in other works. These include:
"The Paths of Glory"
"Celestial fire"
"Some mute inglorious Milton"
"Far from the Madding Crowd" (the title of an eponymous novel by Thomas Hardy, filmed several times)
"Elegy" contemplates such themes as death and afterlife. These themes foreshadowed the upcoming Gothic movement. It is suggested that perhaps Gray found inspiration for his poem by visiting the grave-site of his aunt, Mary Antrobus. The aunt was buried at the graveyard by the St. Giles' churchyard, which he and his mother would visit. This is the same grave-site where Gray himself was later buried.
Gray also wrote light verse, including Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat, Drowned in a Tub of Gold Fishes, a mock elegy concerning Horace Walpole's cat. Walpole owned two cats: Zara and Selima. Scholars say the poem was about Selima. After setting the scene with the couplet "What female heart can gold despise? What cat's averse to fish?", the poem moves to its multiple proverbial conclusion: "a fav'rite has no friend", "know one false step is ne'er retrieved" and "nor all that glisters, gold".
Gray's surviving letters also show his sharp observation and playful sense of humour. He is well known for his phrase, "where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise," from Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College. It has been asserted that the Ode also abounds with images which find "a mirror in every mind". This was stated by Samuel Johnson who said of the poem, "I rejoice to concur with the common reader ... The Church-yard abounds with images which find a mirror in every mind, and with sentiments to which every bosom returns an echo". Indeed, Gray's poem follows the style of the mid-century literary endeavour to write of "universal feelings."Samuel Johnson also said of Gray that he spoke in "two languages". He spoke in the language of "public" and "private" and according to Johnson, he should have spoken more in his private language as he did in his "Elegy" poem.
■ 'Ode on the Spring': Spring's Beauty Explored
"Ode on the Spring" by Thomas Gray is a lyrical poem that celebrates the arrival of spring and reflects on the beauty of nature. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each exploring different aspects of spring.
●First Stanza:
Gray begins by addressing the spirit of the spring, a personification of the season. He describes her as a "gentle guardian" who wakes the flowers and brings life to the earth. The stanza is filled with evocative imagery, portraying the blossoming of flowers and the rejuvenation of the natural world after the dormancy of winter.
●Second Stanza:
In this stanza, Gray shifts his focus to the impact of spring on animals. He describes the birds singing in the trees and the lambs bouncing in the fields. The imagery here emphasizes the joy and spirit that spring instills in all living creatures. The poet also mentions the "Corydon," a shepherd from classical pastoral poetry, adding a nostalgic and classical touch to the poem.
●Third Stanza:
The final stanza takes a more reflective turn. Gray considers the transient nature of life and the inevitability of aging and death. Despite the melancholic undertone, he suggests that the beauty of spring serves as a reminder of the eternal cycle of life, where new generations replace the old.
●Themes:
Nature's festivity: The poem is a celebration of the beauty and liveliness of nature, with vivid descriptions of blooming flowers, singing birds, and playful lambs.
Life's brevity: Gray reflects on the fleeting nature of life, using the changing seasons as a metaphor for the passage of time. This theme adds depth to the poem, balancing the exuberance of spring with a more contemplative tone.
Ecclesiastical and traditional Elements: The mention of the shepherd Corydon and the pastoral imagery contribute to a sense of nostalgia and connect the poem to classical literary traditions.
●Dialect:
Gray employs rich and descriptive language, creating various images that evoke the sensory experience of spring. The use of personification, metaphor, and classical allusions adds depth and layers of meaning to the poem. We can say, "Ode on the Spring" is a lyrical and reflective exploration of the rejuvenating power of spring, blending celebration with contemplation on the periodic nature of life.
■ The Progress of Poesy: A Pindaric Ode
The Progress of Poesy: A Pindaric Ode is a poem written by Thomas Gray, one of the prominent English poets of the 18th century. The ode, completed between 1751 and 1754, is a reflection on the nature and development of poetry, drawing inspiration from Pindar, the ancient Greek lyric poet.
●Structure:
Strophe, Antistrophe, and Epode: The poem is structured in the Pindaric ode form, consisting of strophe (first part), antistrophe (second part), and epode (concluding part). This form is a homage to Pindar's odes, showcasing Gray's classical influences.
First Section (Strophe):
Nature's Hold: Gray describes the muse's influence on the poet and the power of poetry to elevate the human spirit.
Imagery: Rich imagery is employed to depict the muse's inventiveness, drawing on elements of nature and mythology.
Second Section (Antistrophe):
Historical and Mythological References: Gray incorporates references to historical and mythological figures, emphasizing the continuity of poetic inspiration across cultures and time.
Heroic Subjects: The ode explores heroic themes, linking poetry to the achievements of great individuals throughout history.
Third Section (Epode):
Climax: The ode reaches its climax, summarizing the themes presented and celebrating the enduring power of poetry.
Concluding Consideration: Gray reflects on the muse's role in shaping the poet's vision and the lasting impact of poetry on society.
●Matter and Acknowledgement:
Invocation to the Muse: Gray begins by invoking the muse to inspire his poetic endeavor, seeking divine assistance in exploring the progress of poetry.
Themes: The poem delves into the transformative power of poetry, celebrating the influence of the muse in inspiring creativity and the poetic process.
●Stylistic Elements:
Traditional Allusions: Gray employs classical allusions to Greek and Roman mythology, showcasing his erudition and a deep appreciation for classical literature.
Upraised Speech: The language used is elevated and poetic, reflecting the grandeur of the ode form and emphasizing the significance of the poet's subject matter.
Imagery and Symbolism: The poem is rich in vivid imagery and symbolism, using nature and mythology to convey complex ideas about the nature of poetry. We can see "The Progress of Poesy" is a Pindaric ode that explores the transformative and enduring power of poetry, drawing on classical influences and employing rich imagery and allusions to convey its profound themes.
♧Conclusion ♧
In the culmination of Thomas Gray's momentous works, particularly exemplified in his renowned "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," the poet leads us to a profound contemplation of life's depth. Gray's exploration extends beyond the superficialities of existence, plumbing the depths of mortality, the inexorable march of time, and the introspective facets of the human soul. The conclusion of his works resonates with a poignant and contemplative tone, as he encourages readers to reflect on the transient nature of life and the enduring legacy of introspection. Gray's meticulous craftsmanship and rich imagery provide a literary tapestry that not only captures the essence of his time but also transcends it, offering timeless insights into the complexities of the human condition.h Trough the lens of his poetic vision, Gray invites us to navigate the intricacies of depth, prompting a thoughtful engagement with themes that resonate universally. His legacy, therefore, lies not merely in the eloquence of his verse but in the enduring impact of the profound depths he plumbed in his exploration of life's mysteries.
♧ References ♧
Jones, W. Powell.
“Thomas Gray’s Library.” Modern Philology vol. 35, no. 3, 1938, pp. 257–78.
JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/434131.
Accessed 27 Nov. 2023.
Weinbrot, Howard D.
“Gray’s Elegy: A Poem of Moral Choice and Resolution.”
Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900, vol. 18, no. 3, 1978, pp. 537–51.
JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/450128.
Accessed 27 Nov. 2023.
Swearingen, James E.
“Wordsworth on Gray.” Studies in English Literature,
1500-1900, vol. 14, no. 4, 1974, pp. 489–509.
JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/449749.
Accessed 27 Nov. 2023.
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