Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard by Thomas Gray (Short Questions & Answers

Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard

Thomas Gray

(Short Questions & Answers – Marks 05)

👉 Q. “The lowing herd wind slowly o’er the lea”

– What is the meaning of the expression “lowing herd”? What picture does the line suggest?

Answer: The expression "lowing herd" refers to a group of cows or cattle that are mooing or making a lowing sound. The line "The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea" is from the poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" by Thomas Gray.

The line suggests a peaceful, pastoral scene in the countryside, with a group of cows slowly making their way across a meadow or field. The lowing of the cows adds to the tranquil atmosphere and creates an image of a serene and idyllic rural landscape. The line is part of a larger description of the natural world, which serves to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, more peaceful way of life.

👉 Q. “Their name, their years, spelt by th’ unletter’d Muse”

--Who is the “unletter’d Muse”? What does the poet say of the Muse?

Answer: In the poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" by Thomas Gray, the phrase "unletter'd Muse" refers to the anonymous and uneducated poets who wrote the simple epitaphs and elegies that are carved on the tombstones of the villagers buried in the churchyard. These poets are described as unlettered because they did not have formal education or training in poetry or literature.

The poet praises the "unletter'd Muse" for their ability to capture the essence of the villagers' lives in a few simple words. He suggests that their lack of formal education or literary training has not prevented them from expressing their feelings and emotions in a powerful and moving way.

The line "Their name, their years, spelt by th’ unletter’d Muse" suggests that the unlettered poets have captured the essential details of the villagers' lives - their names and ages - and turned them into moving tributes. By doing so, they have ensured that the memory of the villagers will live on, even though they may have been forgotten by history.

Overall, the poet praises the unlettered Muse for their ability to find beauty and meaning in the lives of ordinary people, and suggests that their simple and heartfelt verses have a power that is greater than any formal education or literary training could provide.

👉 Q. Who was Hampden? What does Gray mean by “Some village Hampden”?

Answer: John Hampden was a prominent English politician and Member of Parliament during the 17th century. He is best known for his opposition to King Charles I's attempt to levy taxes without the consent of parliament, which ultimately led to the outbreak of the English Civil War.

In the poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" by Thomas Gray, the phrase "Some village Hampden" refers to a person in a small village who, like John Hampden, stands up for their beliefs and fights for what is right, even if it goes against popular opinion or the established order. Gray is using Hampden as a symbol of individual courage and integrity, a person who is willing to sacrifice their own interests for the greater good.

By using the phrase "Some village Hampden" in the poem, Gray is suggesting that even in the quiet and unremarkable villages of rural England, there may be individuals of great character and courage, who are capable of making a difference in the world. The phrase is part of a larger theme in the poem, which celebrates the lives and achievements of ordinary people, and suggests that even those who are not famous or powerful can make a significant impact on the world around them.

👉 Q. In Gray’s “Elegy,” what effect did “Chill Penury” have on the villagers?

Answer: In Thomas Gray's "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," the phrase "Chill Penury" refers to the condition of extreme poverty that many of the villagers are forced to endure. The effect of this poverty on the villagers is portrayed as negative and oppressive.

Gray describes the villagers as living in "some mute inglorious Milton" and suggests that they have never had the opportunity to develop their talents or fulfill their potential because of their poverty. He also notes that many of them are buried in unmarked graves and will not be remembered by history.

The phrase "Chill Penury" suggests that the poverty experienced by the villagers is not just a lack of material resources, but also a lack of warmth, comfort, and hope. Gray describes their homes as "hedged around with poverty and gloom" and suggests that they are deprived of the simple pleasures of life.

Overall, the effect of "Chill Penury" on the villagers is portrayed as a bleak and oppressive existence, which robs them of their potential and their dignity. Gray's poem serves as a reminder of the importance of social justice and the need to alleviate the suffering of the poor and marginalized.

*****

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