thomas gray, "elegy..."

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Pre-Romantic Poetry and Thomas Gray

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Page 1: Thomas Gray, "Elegy..."

Pre-Romantic PoetryandThomas Gray 

Page 2: Thomas Gray, "Elegy..."

Pre-Romantic Poetry

18th centuryShares characteristics with Neoclassical and Romantic poetry

Neoclassical (earlier):Polished expression of ideasBalanced phrases, sophisticated vocabulary

Romantic (later):Focus on nature, common manExpression of heightened feelings

Page 3: Thomas Gray, "Elegy..."

Thomas Gray

1716-17711 of 12 to survive infancySickly childLived with mother, aunts until 30+Wrote slowly, perfectionistFew poems written but considered to be some of the finest in English language

Page 4: Thomas Gray, "Elegy..."

Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard

Written between 1742 and 1750Gray’s best known poemVery popularMan going on a stroll through churchyard

Page 5: Thomas Gray, "Elegy..."

Elegy = somber poem that laments the dead

Not a true elegy…he is mourning what they could have been

Themes:Life is shortMany talented people neverget the opportunities they deserve

Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard