"On Thomas Gray's Elegy" ; 11 October, 2023

Poem 'On Thomas Gray's Elegy'

30 April, 2023

Uploaded to ChatGPT for analysis on 30 April, 2023 

Soman Ragavan : Hello. Can I load a poem for analysis, please ?

ChatGPT

Hello Soman Ragavan! Of course, you can load a poem for analysis. Please share the poem and any specific questions or areas of analysis you would like me to focus on.
 
Soman Ragavan : Here is my poem "On Thomas Gray's Elegy." Please comment on each stanza and then make general comments. Refer to the poem "Elegy written in a country churchyard" by Thomas Gray (1716-1771). "ON THOMAS GRAY’S ELEGY"

ChatGPT :

Thank you for sharing your poem, Soman Ragavan. Here is a stanza-by-stanza analysis of  "On Thomas Gray's Elegy":

Stanza 1: The first stanza introduces the subject of the poem, Thomas Gray's "Elegy written in a country churchyard," and praises its universality and endurance, as it is still read in different parts of the world.

Stanza 2: The second stanza highlights the inspiration behind Gray's elegy, which is the observation of human existence and the realization of the transience of life. The stanza also mentions the role of poets in capturing these observations and presenting them to the world.

Stanza 3: The third stanza makes a comparison between Gray's churchyard and the cremation yard mentioned in your own poem, "Of ashes and waves." It notes that very few people have paid attention to your own suggestion, while Gray's poem has achieved worldwide recognition.

Stanza 4: The fourth stanza alludes to a well-known quote from Gray's elegy about how many talented individuals may never be recognized due to their circumstances. The stanza also comments on the anonymous nature of poets during their lifetime, and how their work may not be fully appreciated until after their death.

Stanza 5: The final stanza continues the theme of the previous stanza, emphasizing the challenges and destiny of poets to remain anonymous during their lifetime. However, it also suggests that poets may achieve lasting recognition through history.

Overall, your poem is a reflection on the nature of poetry and the role of poets in capturing and presenting the human experience. The poem acknowledges the enduring legacy of Thomas Gray's elegy and highlights the challenges that poets face in gaining recognition during their lifetime.
 
Soman Ragavan : "Poet is a posthumous epithet." From the book "How to write poetry." So, poets are unlikely to get recognition in their lifetime.

ChatGPT
That's an interesting quote from "How to write poetry." It does seem to suggest that poets are more likely to achieve recognition after their death than during their lifetime. However, there have been many poets throughout history who have gained significant recognition and acclaim during their lifetime, such as William Shakespeare, Lord Byron, Emily Dickinson, and Robert Frost, just to name a few.

It's important to note that recognition and success can take many forms, and may not necessarily be measured solely by public or critical acclaim. Some poets may find fulfillment and satisfaction simply in the act of creating and sharing their work with others, regardless of whether or not they achieve widespread recognition. Ultimately, each poet's experience and journey is unique and can't be generalized in a sweeping statement like "poet is a posthumous epithet."
 
Soman Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT
You're welcome, Soman Ragavan. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or if there's anything else I can assist you with in the future. Goodbye for now! 

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                                    ON THOMAS GRAY'S ELEGY
                                See : Thomas Gray (1716-1771) :
                          "Elegy written in a country churchyard."

The elegy thou compos’d be read still
In far-flung lands and domains;
It resounds on foreign soil and plains,
In classrooms and learning places.

The churchyard inspir’d thee to compose,
To peek into humanity’s very existence,
Into human vanity and ingratitude :
The ling’ring dust from bones thou survey’d.

From their rare vision do poets
Scan and map the future,
And for throngs proclaim their verdict :
Yet, their words will go with the wind…

Thou wrote thy Elegy in a Churchyard uncanny :
In our poem “Of ashes and waves” we wrote :
“In the Cremation Yard be written this Elegy” :
So far very few have taken note…

“Full many a gem of purest ray serene,
      The dark unfathom'd caves of ocean bear:
  Full many a flow'r is born to blush unseen,
      And waste its sweetness on the desert air.”

On hither shining scrolls
We plod on in near anonymity :
When the masses will grasp,
They will fail not to gasp.

It be the poet’s very fault to be ahead,
He hath himself to blame for it;
His gems will fade, his buds will wither :
In his own lifetime, they cannot flower… 

For such be the destiny of poets :
While living, with anonymity be they beset :
In their lifetime their unknown sun wilt set,
But in history will they win their bet…
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Soman RAGAVAN
Mauritius (Indian Ocean)

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