Similar to Eulogy, Elegy is a type of mourning expressed in the form of a poem. An Elegy usually has a melancholy tone because of the nature of its topic. In case, you have no idea how to write an elegy poem, read this blog and understand the steps for writing an elegy poem. The steps and tips suggested here will guide you in finishing your elegy writing assignment effortlessly. Moreover, by following the simple ways we have recommended, you can also compose an impressive elegy and achieve top grades.
Before we move on to the elegy poem writing steps, first let us look at a brief overview of elegy and its standard form.
What is Elegy?
An Elegy is a mourning poem written in a somber tone. In general, an Elegy seriously reflects on the death of a person or a loss. Mostly, elegies are dedicated to the memory of a loved one; it can even be a pet or the most valuable possession. However, you can also write elegies for heroes or any other important persons in society who are dead. Nonetheless, when you write an elegy from a personal experience of loss, the emotional impact will be high.
The term elegy is derived from the Greek word ‘elegos’, which means “song of mourning”. An elegy is not similar to a eulogy or an elegiac couplet.
An elegiac couplet is a kind of elegy that follows the format of a classical couplet whereas you can write an elegy like a speech and recite it at funerals. The Elegiacs will be written in iambic pentameter and it will give more significance to the rhyme scheme. On the other hand, you can write modern elegies as Free Verse without any regard for the rhyme scheme.
When to Use Elegy?
An elegy is mainly written to express grief over loss or death. Since an elegy is poetry, it predominantly belongs to creative writing. For using an elegy in an essay, there is no primary reason. Besides poetry, elegy also has applications in several other fields that are related to art. One popular example is music. A lot of elegies are now present in the form of songs. Moreover, elegy is a major subject for songwriting. Especially, to convey the feelings for the deceased, other creative and artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, or instrumental music can be used. Even though such works of art are not in the form of verse, they would still be elegiac and incredibly poignant.
Standard Structure and Format of an Elegy
When you write an elegy, make sure to follow the standard structure specified below.
Mourning
The first part of an elegy poem will usually be a four-line stanza termed a quatrain. It will primarily focus on a lament for the loss of a loved one. In this part, you can discuss your current perspective on the world after losing your loved person or object. Here, you may also write about the void that the absence of that person has caused in your life.
Emotions
Next, describe your feelings about losing an important person. Particularly, in this section, you may talk about your emotions on the death of a loved one and other people’s perspectives on it. To increase the intensity of your feelings, you can very well use metaphors.
Glorification
Conclude your elegy poem by honoring the deceased. In this part, you can write about the dead person’s good deeds or life-changing deeds. Furthermore, you may praise his life virtues and talk about how the world and your life will never be the same again. Also, in this section, you may mention your hope of reunion after death.
Remember, your elegy poem format should mainly contain sections such as the mourning section, admiration section, and consolation or solace section. Initially, begin your poem by expressing your pain, sadness, and grief for the dead person. Following that, praise the deceased person and explain how that person is important to you. Finally, end the poem by consoling yourself and accepting the truth of your loss.
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Early and Modern Verse of Elegy: A Comparison
In the past, elegies were present under the fixed-verse poetry genre. If you wish to adhere to this ancient verse, then you must write the entire poem in quatrains. In addition, you must adhere to the ABAB rhyme scheme. Furthermore, you should write each line of these poems in iambic pentameter. A syllable is in the iamb meter when an unstressed syllable follows it. Iambic pentameter is the meter that poetry utilizes where each line contains five iambs. Elegies do not impose certain writing styles. However, you can observe a notable difference when you compare these older elegies with the contemporary ones.
Elegies composed in the nineteenth century were thought to be a modernized version of older elegies. If you choose to stick with this modern elegy format, then you need not use any specific rhyming scheme. Moreover, you are free to leave out the meter as well. All you need to do is compose the entire poem as per the standard elegy poem format mentioned above.
Get to Know How to Write an Elegy Poem
Till now we have seen a short overview of Elegy. Next, let us learn how to write an elegy poem.
If you are unsure how to handle your elegy writing assignment, then simply follow the steps for writing an elegy poem as suggested below.
Step 1: Read Some Famous Elegies
Before attempting something you have never done before, it is a good idea to ask an expert for guidance or learn from certain samples or examples. This will make it easy for you to accomplish the task. Writing is no exception. If you wish to compose a poem or music in memory of your loved person who is no more, then make sure to read some famous elegies written by popular authors.
When you read the elegy examples, you will get a better understanding of the language, metaphors, and writing styles used by the poet to express their emotions over the death of someone. This will eventually aid you in crafting your elegy poem.
The following are some notable elegies written by renowned authors
- The elegy poem ‘Lycidas’ by John Milton. It is written in memory of a shipwrecked friend.
- ‘A Part Song’ penned by Denise Rilley is a lament for the passing of his adult son.
- Walt Whitman’s poem, ‘O Captain, My Captain,’ was written on Abraham Lincoln’s death.
- ‘Elegiac Stanzas’ by William Wordsworth was composed in remembrance of his brother. The poem adheres to the standard ABAB rhyme structure of elegiac stanzas.
- ‘In Memoriam’ by Lord Alfred Tennyson, in which the poet laments the death of a close friend.
- ‘Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard’ by Thomas Gray. As his death drew near, Gray was thinking back on it. So, he composed his epitaph in the poem. The concept of death as the ultimate reality is too starkly represented in this masterwork.
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Step 2: Brainstorm your Idea
Before you compose an elegy, you must be willing to express your emotions in writing, which is a difficult task for many. If it is challenging for you as well, then simply relax and go for a walk in solitude to express your feelings for the lost one. In specific, consider the person you’ve lost, his characteristics and relationship with you, or the world. Next, note down the appropriate adjectives that describe him or recall an incident that has left an impression on you. This will motivate you to write, even if it is a prose. However, you may weave those words in the way you want, once you note them down on paper.
Step 3: Choose your Writing Style or Format
Typically, you can compose an elegy or a funeral poem in any format such as a ballad, epic, or ode. Remember, similar to ancient Greek, pastoral, or elegiac stanzas, you need not write modern elegies in a particular rhyme scheme. You have the liberty to write an elegy poem in free verse. Especially, when it comes to composing an elegy, you can use any writing style that is comfortable for you.
If you are in a dilemma of what style to use for writing your elegy, first consider your personal preferences. In particular, before you start composing your elegy, think about the poems you like and the elegy examples you’ve read before. It will give you an idea about what rhyme scheme or rhythm to use for your elegy.
Next, you may think about your poem’s message. Do you wish to narrate a story about the dead person or are you looking for a way to communicate your emotions? Your message may help you in choosing the appropriate format for your elegy.
You may also consider the nature of your relationship with the person who is no more. When compared to an elegy written for a spouse, an elegy written for a grandparent may have a more formal tone and a more rigorous rhyme pattern.
Consider whether you want to set your words to music. If you desire to write a song from your elegy, you may need to work within the tune’s rhythm and cadence.
Step 4: Write your Elegy Poem
After you have prepared yourself, begin writing your elegy poem as per the writing format or style you have chosen. Especially, when you write an elegy, make sure to describe how your life has changed since the person’s death. Allow the void to be visible in your words. Let the world know about the lost gem. Most elegies are sad, but that doesn’t mean you can’t include a pleasant recollection. Tell the world what you feel about the deceased person and his absence. Consider adding consoling words to your work.
Step 5: Revise
Generally, you can never finish a creative piece of writing on the first attempt. It requires changes, sometimes an infinite number of revisions. Do not alter your elegy immediately after writing it. Take a break and revise it after a few days. This will help you to look at your work objectively and make necessary changes. You may also get feedback from experts and improve the quality of your elegy accordingly.
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Elegy Examples
So far, in this blog, we have discussed how to write an elegy poem. Never feel intimidated about elegy writing. Anyone can write an elegy poem by following the steps suggested above.
For your better understanding, here, we have shared some elegy poem samples. Take a look.
These are a few lines from an elegy penned by W.H. Auden in memory of W.B. Yeats
“He disappeared in the dead of winter
The brooks were frozen, the airports almost deserted,
And snow disfigured the public statues”
This is an elegy example composed by John F. Connor in “To My Dear Angel”
“To my dear angel in heaven,
I just want to let you know
That you are always in my thoughts
And that I love you so”
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Conclusion
Hopefully, by now, you will have gained a better understanding of elegy writing. In case, you are still not confident enough to compose an elegy poem or if you need an elegy assignment writing help from experts, call us immediately. As per your needs, the skilled poem writers from our team will compose and deliver a heart-touching elegy poem.
