Graveyard Poetry

During the 18th century there was an exploraation in poetry of new themes, handled in more low-key language and forms, without the bite of satire and without the wit and humour of the poems from the previous age. The most important one is Gray's Elegy (1751) and it has been associated with the rather earlier 'Graveyard school' of poetry. These poets revel at great length in death- 'that dread moment'- and morbidity, creating an atmosphere of delightful gloom. This poem shows a genlty humanist melancholy. It is a life affirming reconsideration of rural values, finding meaning in life lived rather than in death feared. This poem unites nature, emotion, simplicity and eternity.

Carter, R, and McRae, J. (1997). The Routledge  History of Literature in English: Britain and Ireland. Routledge: London