Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard – Line by Line Explanation & Important Questions Answers
Question 1. “The curfew tolls the knee of parting day.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet presents the scene of evening time. “Curfew bell” means a bell rung in the evening, signaling the end of the day. The poet says that this bell is signalling the end of the day.
This line not only describes time, but also conveys a deep symbolic meaning. Here the end of the day symbolizes the end of human life i.e. death. Just as the day slowly ends, in the same way human life also slowly ends.
Through this line the poet creates a serious and contemplative atmosphere of the entire poem. It immediately inspires the reader to think about the impermanence of life and the reality of death.
Thus this line expresses the relationship between life and death in a very simple but effective manner.
Question 2. “The plowman homeward plods his weary way.” - Explain
Answer: In this line, the poet presents the picture of a farmer, who is returning home tired after working hard in the fields all day. The word “plods” gives a clear picture of the farmer's fatigue and slow pace.
This line shows the simplicity and hard work of rural life. This simple life of a farmer represents those people whose life is full of struggle, but they are not very famous in the society.
This line also shows another symbolic meaning of life. Just as a farmer returns home at the end after working all day, similarly a man also returns to death after struggling throughout his life.
In this way, this line presents rural life, labor and the last journey of life – all three very effectively.
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Question 3. “The paths of glory lead but to the grave.” - Explain
Answer: This is one of the most famous and important lines of the poem. It means that no matter how great, famous or powerful a person is, in the end he too has to face death.
Here the poet calls the pride of fame and power meaningless. He says that respect, position or fame gained in life cannot prevent death. The final destination of all people is the grave.
Through this line the poet makes clear the equality of human life and the inevitability of death. It inspires us to remain humble and understand the real values of life.
Thus this line presents the central message of the poem—all are equal in the face of death.
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Question 4. “Full many a flower is born to blush unseen.” - Explain
Answer: The poet uses a beautiful metaphor in this line. He says that many flowers bloom in the forest, but there is no one to see them. Similarly, there are many talented people in the society, who never get recognition.
This line reflects the life of rural people, who despite being talented, are not able to become famous due to lack of opportunities. Poverty and social conditions prevent them from realizing their potential.
Through this line the poet highlights the problem of inequality and unknown talent of the society.
Thus this line gives the message that talent is everywhere, but opportunities are necessary to identify and develop it.
Question 5. “Far from the madding crowd’s ignoble strife.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet describes the peace and simplicity of rural life. He says that the village people lived away from the hustle and bustle of the city, conflicts and selfish competition.
This line reflects the positive characteristics of rural life—such as peace, simplicity and contentment. City people struggle for fame and wealth, while rural people live a calm and balanced life.
The poet also hints that sometimes staying away from fame gives true peace.
Thus this line makes clear the importance of simplicity and mental peace of rural life.
Question 6. “Let not Ambition mock their useful toil.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet warns the rich and ambitious people not to make fun of the hard work of the poor rural people. “Ambition” here symbolizes those who strive to attain fame, position and power. The poet says that such people should not forget that the labour of villagers is equally important and respectable.
Rural people worked in the fields, took care of their families and performed essential tasks for the society. Even though his life was simple, his labour was extremely useful. The poet wants to convey that the value of life is not determined by fame or position, but by honest hard work and devotion.
The message of social equality is also hidden in this line. The poet criticizes the class discrimination present in the society and makes it clear that one's ordinary life should not be underestimated.
Thus this line teaches us to respect the labour of others and maintain humility.
Question 7. “Nor grandeur hear with a contemptuous smile.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet uses the word “Grandeur” for rich and powerful people. He says that such people should not look at the life of the poor with a contemptuous smile.
The purpose of the poet is to tell that one should not look down on others because of wealth and prestige. Even though the rural people were ordinary, their lives were full of honesty, hard work and simplicity. His life also had its own respect and importance.
In this line the poet criticizes social inequality. He makes it clear that money and power alone should not be the criteria of superiority in society.
Along with this, the poet also indicates that after death everyone becomes equal, hence no one should be proud of his glory.
Thus this line gives a deep message of humanity, humility and equality.
Question 8. “Some mute inglorious Milton here may rest.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet tells that among the people buried in the cemetery there could have been someone who was as talented as the great poet Milton, but could not become famous due to circumstances.
“Mute” means “silent” and “inglorious” means “unpopular”. The poet wants to say that many talented people remain anonymous in the society because they lack education, opportunities and resources.
This line highlights the inequality of the society. The poet tells that talent is not limited only to rich people, but is equally present in poor people also.
Thus this line expresses the problem of unsung talent very effectively and inspires us to think that the society should give equal opportunities to everyone.
Question 9. “And froze the genius current of the soul.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet tells that poverty and lack of opportunities stopped the development of talents and emotions of the rural people. “Genial current of the soul” refers to man's natural talents and emotional energy.
The poet says that just as cold stops a flow, similarly poverty and social conditions stopped the talent of these people from developing. They could have done great things, but they did not have the resources and opportunities.
This line deeply criticizes the inequality present in the society. The poet makes it clear that the development of talent does not depend only on individual ability, but social conditions also play an important role.
Thus, this line inspires us to understand that the society should provide equal opportunities to everyone so that their talents can develop.
Question 10. “The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet describes the pride and splendor of the rich and powerful people. “Heraldry” means pride of nobility and lineage, while “pomp of power” means show of power and position.
The poet tells that people are very proud of their lineage, wealth and position, but all this is not permanent. All these things come to an end after death.
This line teaches us that being proud in life is futile. Fame, power and glory are only temporary, while death is a permanent truth.
Through this line the poet gives the message of equality and humility of human life. He says that true value lies in a person's character and deeds, not in his position or wealth.
Question 11. “Await like the inevitable hour.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet gives a deep message of the inevitability of death and the equality of human life. “Inevitable hour” means the time that cannot be avoided—that is, the time of death. The poet says that this certain time is waiting for all people, whether they are rich or poor, famous or ordinary.
The poet wants to make it clear here that no matter how much wealth, power or prestige one has in life, in the end he too has to face death. This truth applies equally to everyone.
There is also a deep philosophical sentiment hidden in this line. It makes us aware of the impermanence of life and teaches us that we should not be proud.
Thus, this line expresses the main message of the poem—the inevitability of death and human equality—very effectively.
Question 12. “Can storied urn or animated bust.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet mentions the grand monuments of rich and famous people. “Storied urn” means decorative urns, and “animated bust” means life-like statues. All these monuments are built in the memory of great people.
The poet raises the question whether these monuments can bring a dead person back to life? The answer is clearly “no”. He wants to show that wealth, glory and monuments are all meaningless in the face of death.
Through this line the poet criticizes the tendency of the society in which people give more importance to external appearances. He wants to convey that the true value of life lies in a person's deeds and character, and not in his monuments.
Thus this line shows the futility of all material things in the face of death.
Question 13. “Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath?” - Explain
Answer: This line is connected to the line in the previous question. Here the poet asks whether grand monuments can return the soul of a dead person back to his body. “Fleeting breath” means the breath of life, which ends very quickly.
The poet clearly states that after death nothing can bring a person back to life. This line shows the impermanence of life and the finality of death.
There is also a deep philosophical sentiment in it—the poet wants to make us understand that life is very short and uncertain, so we should make it meaningful.
Thus, this line teaches us that instead of being proud in life, we should focus on good deeds, because after death only our deeds are remembered.
Question 14. “Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet points towards a neglected place in the cemetery. He says that it is possible that a person of great talent is buried in this ordinary and undiscovered place.
This line presents the notion of unsung talent. The poet tells that many people do not become famous due to circumstances, but their potential can be very great.
The poet also points towards the inequality of the society. If these people had got proper opportunity and education, they too could have become famous in history.
Thus this line inspires us to think that we should not only give importance to famous people but should also respect the lives of ordinary people.
Question 15. “The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet describes the ancestors of the village, who are now sleeping peacefully in the graveyard. The word “Rude” here does not mean rude, but “ordinary and uneducated”.
The poet presents the life of these rural people with respect. He may not have been educated or famous, but he lived his life with hard work and honesty.
This line also shows the peace of death. The poet states that death provides a permanent rest after the struggles of life.
In this way, this line expresses the importance of the lives of ordinary people, their hard work and the peace of death – all three very beautifully.
Question 16. “For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet expresses the end of life after death in a very emotional manner. “Blazing hearth” means the burning fire of the house, which symbolizes life, warmth and happiness of the family. The poet says that now the fire of their house will never burn for these dead villagers.
This line shows that death is not only the end of a person, but also ends his family and social relations. People who once lived happily in their homes have now become silent forever.
The poet here presents the impermanence of life and the finality of death in a very sensitive manner.
Thus this line makes us understand that even the simple pleasures of life are extremely valuable, because after death everything ends.
Question 17. “No children run to lisp their sire's return.”- Explain
Answer: In this line, the poet presents a very poignant picture of the loss of family love and relationships. He says that now the children of dead people will no longer run with joy to welcome their fathers when they return home.
The word “Lisp” refers to the baby language, which symbolizes love and innocence. The poet tells through this scene that death is not only the end of a person but also leaves a deep void in the life of his family.
This line is very emotionally impactful and generates compassion in the mind of the reader.
In this way the poet shows that the small family pleasures of life are actually the most valuable.
Question 18. “Oft did the harvest to their sickle yield.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet describes the hard work and toil of the rural people. He says that they used to work very hard in their fields and the crops would bow before their sickles.
This line symbolizes their labour, self-reliance and honest life. The rural people may not have been famous, but they worked hard in their lives and made important contributions to the society.
The poet wants to show that the life of ordinary people who work hard is also worthy of respect.
Thus this line shows the dignity of labour and the importance of simple life.
Question 19. “Their furrow of the stubborn glebe has broken.” - Explain
Answer: In this line the poet describes the hard work of the farmers. “Furrow” means ploughed field, and “stubborn glebe” means hard soil. The poet says that these villagers made even the hard land fertile with their hard work.
This line symbolizes his struggle, patience and perseverance. This shows that they were extremely hardworking and diligent people.
The poet gives the message here that even if the lives of ordinary people are not famous, their labour is very important for the society.
Thus this line presents a beautiful picture of the power of labour and human perseverance.
Question 20. “He gave to Misery all he had, a tear.” - Explain
Answer: This line belongs to the last part of the poem, where the poet describes the life of an ordinary person. The poet says that the man was extremely sensitive and kind, who used to cry with others in their sorrow.
“Misery” here symbolizes sadness and pain, while “tear” symbolizes sympathy and compassion.
The poet wants to show that true greatness lies not in fame or wealth, but in human qualities—such as kindness, love, and sympathy.
Thus this line makes the moral message of the poem clear that humanity and compassion are the real values of life.
Question 21. What is the main theme of the poem “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard”?
Answer: The main theme of Thomas Gray's poem “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” is the inevitability of death and the equality of human life. The poet wants to tell that whether a person is rich or poor, powerful or ordinary, in the end everyone has to face death. In this poem the poet presents the scene of a village graveyard, where there are graves of ordinary people. These people did not achieve any fame or respect in life, but their life also had its own importance.
The poet also says that due to poverty and lack of opportunities, the talent of these rural people could not be revealed to the world. If they had got the right opportunity, they too could have become great leaders, poets or scientists. In this way the poem also highlights the inequality of the society.
Apart from this, the poem teaches us that we should not be proud, because everyone is equal in front of death. The poet inspires the readers to understand humility, empathy and the true value of life.
Question 22. How is the environment of the cemetery portrayed in the poem?
Answer: In this poem the atmosphere of the cemetery has been portrayed as very quiet, serious and sad. The poem begins in the evening, when the day is ending and darkness is slowly spreading. The sound of cows, the sound of bells and the birds returning to their nests add to the serene atmosphere.
The poet uses this environment to show the relationship between life and death. The description of the simple lifestyle of the people buried in the cemetery and their anonymous death makes the readers emotional. There are no grand monuments here, but simple stone and mud tombs, reflecting their simple living conditions.
This environment makes us feel that after death everyone becomes equal. Through this calm and serious scene the poet makes us realize the impermanence of life and the truth of death.
Question 23. What is told about the life of rural people in the poem?
Answer: In this poem, the poet has described the life of rural people as very simple, hardworking and struggling. These people worked in the fields, lived a simple life with their families and did not achieve any special fame in the society.
The poet tells that even though these people were not remembered in history, their lives were not in vain. He worked hard for his family, performed his duties and lived an honest life. He lacked money, education and opportunities, due to which his talent could not be exposed to the world.
The poet also indicates that these villagers also had the potential to become great. If they had got proper opportunity, they too could have become famous leaders or scholars. Thus the poem draws attention to the inequality of opportunities in the society.
Ultimately the poet gives the message that ordinary life is as valuable as the lives of great people.
Question 24. What difference has the poet made between rich and poor people?
Answer: The poet clearly shows the difference in the lives of rich and poor people in this poem. Rich people achieve fame, respect and grandeur in their life. After their death big monuments are built for them and people remember them for a long time.
In contrast, poor rural people live simple lives and after their death their graves are also very simple. Their names are not recorded in history and society quickly forgets them.
But the poet also tells that after death there is no difference between these two. Be it a king or a farmer, everyone turns into dust in the end. Therefore rich people should not be proud of their wealth and prestige.
Thus, while criticizing social inequality, the poet gives the message that the true value of human life does not lie in his fame or wealth, but in his character and deeds.
Question 25. How is the theme of death presented in the poem?
Answer: In this poem, death has been presented as a very calm, natural and inevitable truth. The poet does not show death as scary, but considers it a natural end of life.
The peaceful atmosphere of the cemetery and the description of simple graves show that after death all people become equal. The poet also states that no person, no matter how powerful or famous, can escape death.
Through death, the poet teaches us that we should remain humble in life and be sympathetic towards others. He also says that we should make our life meaningful, because after death only our good deeds are remembered.
Thus the poem presents death as a truth of life and inspires the readers to understand the true value of life.
Question 26. How appropriate is the title of “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard”?
Answer: The title of Thomas Gray's poem “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” is extremely appropriate and meaningful. “Elegy” means elegy, i.e. a poem in which death, sorrow and impermanence of life are considered. In this poem, the poet stands in a village graveyard and contemplates on the life and death of dead rural people, hence it is absolutely right to call it “Elegy”.
The second part of the title “Country Churchyard” is also important, because the scene of the entire poem is set in this place. This is not a grand city cemetery, but an ordinary rural cemetery, where there are graves of ordinary and anonymous people. This place inspires the poet to think about the truth of life, equality and inevitability of death.
From the title itself, the reader gets a clear indication that the theme of the poem is death, the value of life and the importance of ordinary people. In this way, the title correctly expresses the feeling, theme and atmosphere of the poem, hence it is considered completely appropriate.
Question 27. What is the importance of nature in poetry?
Answer: Nature has a very important place in this poem. The poet has depicted the tranquil atmosphere and impermanence of life through nature. The poem begins with the natural scenes of the evening—like the cows returning, the sound of bells, birds going to their nests and the gradual spread of darkness. All these pictures make the atmosphere serious and contemplative.
Nature has been used here not only as a decoration but also as a symbol. Sunset signals the end of life, while night becomes a symbol of death. This peaceful movement of nature reminds us of the essential truths of life.
Apart from this, nature is also connected with the lives of rural people. They worked in the fields and lived a life in harmony with nature. Thus, nature plays an important role in poetry in creating atmosphere, symbolic meaning and emotional impact.
Question 28. How has the concept of “unsung talent” been expressed in the poem?
Answer: The poet presents the concept of “unsung talent” very effectively in this poem. He explains that the rural people buried in the cemetery were ordinary, but they too had the potential to become great. Due to poverty, lack of education and lack of opportunities, his talent could never be revealed.
Giving examples, the poet says that among these villagers, someone could have become a great leader, poet or musician, but the circumstances did not give him the opportunity to become so. Thus the poet points out the inequality of the society, where only a few people get a chance to move ahead.
The poet also tells that fame is not the real value of life. Even though these people remained anonymous, they performed their duties honestly and worked hard for their families.
Thus the poem gives the message that every person has talent, but lack of opportunities prevents him from coming in front of the world.
Question 29. How is the message of humility given in the poem?
Answer: In this poem the poet has given a very important message of humility. He tells that no matter how rich, powerful or famous a person is, in the end he too has to face death. Death makes everyone equal.
The poet warns the rich and famous people that they should not be proud of their wealth and prestige. He says that grand monuments, titles or honors cannot prevent death. Therefore it is necessary to maintain humility and simplicity in life.
The poet also tells that even though the ordinary rural people were not famous, they were honest and hardworking. His life was an example of simplicity and devotion to duty.
Thus the poem teaches us that the true value of life lies not in fame or wealth, but in good character, humility and humanity.
Question 30. How has the feeling of “equality” been expressed in the poem?
Answer: The poet has presented the feeling of equality in this poem very effectively. He tells that after death all people become equal. Be it a king or a farmer, rich or poor – everyone turns into dust in the end.
The graveyard scene is the biggest symbol of this similarity. All the graves there are ordinary and there is no visible difference between the people buried in them. This scene shows that death eliminates all social and economic discrimination.
The poet also points out that the difference between famous people and ordinary villagers lasts only for lifetime. After death everyone becomes equal.
Thus the poem gives us the message that we should consider all human beings equal and should not discriminate against anyone, because ultimately everyone has the same fate.
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