A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General
His Grace! Impossible! What a death!
Of old age too, and in his bed!
And could that mighty warrior fall?
And so inglorious, after all!
Well, since he’s gone, no matter how,
The last loud trump must wake him now:
And, trust me, as the noise grows stronger,
He’d wish to sleep a little longer.
And could he be indeed so old
As by the newspapers we’re told?
Threescore, I think, is pretty high;
’Twas time in conscience he should die
This world he cumbered long enough;
He burnt his candle to the snuff;
And that’s the reason, some folks think,
He left behind so great a stink.
Behold his funeral appears,
Nor widow’s sighs, nor orphan’s tears,
Wont at such times each heart to pierce,
Attend the progress of his hearse.
But what of that, his friends may say,
He had those honours in his day.
True to his profit and his pride,
He made them weep before he died.
Come hither, all ye bubbles raised by breath of kings;
Who float upon the tide of state,
Come hither, and behold your fate.
Let pride be taught by this rebuke,
How very mean a thing’s a Duke;
From all his ill‑got honours flung,
Turned to that dirt from whence he sprung.
Summary of A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General
- Popularity of “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General”: Composed by Jonathan Swift in the early 18th century, this poem offers a biting commentary on the death of John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, who died in 1722. Rather than a traditional mourning, Swift employs satire, feigning surprise at the general’s peaceful death and questioning the genuine grief surrounding it. The poem resonates because it subverts expectations and suggests that death ultimately levels all distinctions.
- “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” as a Representative Poem of Death and Status: The elegy depicts the unremarkable passing of a powerful duke. It opens with mock lament, questioning how a “mighty warrior” could die peacefully in bed, without the glory of battle. Swift quickly establishes that the duke’s death inspires little sorrow, implying he was not a beloved figure. The poem progresses to suggest the duke’s life was characterized by self‑interest, and that his death brings relief to some. The concluding lines deliver a broader message about the transience of power and the inevitable return to humility.
- Major Themes in “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General”: Death, pride, and the critique of power are central themes. The poem isn’t simply about mourning; it is a satirical examination of the way society glorifies and then forgets its leaders. The indifferent reaction to the duke’s death underscores the idea that genuine respect is earned through virtuous actions, not simply through rank or military prowess. Swift suggests that fleeting honours and worldly achievements are ultimately meaningless in the face of mortality. The poem urges recognition that all individuals, regardless of status, are ultimately equal in death.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General
- Assonance: Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, subtly enhances musicality and emphasizes certain ideas. In the line, “And, trust me, as the noise grows stronger,” the repeated “o” sound creates a lingering effect. Similarly, the repetition of the “e” sound in “He burnt his candle to the snuff” draws attention to the image of fading life.
- Alliteration: Swift employs alliteration to create a memorable and rhythmic effect. An example can be seen in the phrase “last loud,” where the repetition of the “l” sound emphasizes the finality of death.
- Consonance: Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds, contributes to the poem’s texture and musicality. The line, “Threescore, I think, is pretty high,” features the repetition of the “t” sound, subtly highlighting the duke’s advanced age.
- Enjambment: Swift frequently uses enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next, to create a natural flow and maintain momentum. Consider the lines: “’Twas time in conscience he should die
This world he cumbered long enough;” The thought doesn’t conclude at the end of the first line, but carries over to the next, mirroring the continuous nature of life and death. - Irony: A defining characteristic of this poem is its use of situational irony. The speaker expresses mock sorrow, questioning the duke’s “glorious” death in bed while simultaneously implying that his passing is not particularly tragic. This creates a biting sarcasm.
- Imagery: Swift utilizes vivid imagery to leave a lasting impression. The line “He burnt his candle to the snuff” powerfully evokes a life extinguished, and the associated “stink” suggests a legacy tainted by questionable actions.
- Rhetorical Question: The poem begins with a series of rhetorical questions, such as “And could that mighty warrior fall?” These questions are not meant to be answered; rather, they emphasize the speaker’s skeptical attitude and set the tone for the satirical critique that follows.
- Symbolism: The poem employs several symbolic elements. The “candle” represents life, the “stink” symbolizes the duke’s questionable character and actions, and the “bubbles” in the final stanza symbolize the fleeting nature of power and status.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General
- Diction: Swift’s diction is intentionally sharp and often sarcastic. Words like “cumbered” and “stink” are deliberately chosen for their negative connotations, contributing to the poem’s critical tone.
- End Rhyme and Rhyme Scheme: The poem employs a regular end‑rhyme scheme, creating a musical effect and providing structure. Examples include “fall/all,” “now/how,” and “think/stink.” The consistent ABAB pattern contrasts with the subversive content, adding ironic distance.
- Stanza: The poem is divided into multiple stanzas, each contributing to the development of the satirical argument. The first stanza focuses on the duke’s death and the lack of genuine mourning, while the subsequent stanzas broaden the critique to encompass all those who seek power and status.
- Tone: The predominant tone is ironic and satirical. Swift adopts a mock‑mournful voice, using sarcasm and exaggeration to expose the hypocrisy and vanity of those who hold positions of power.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are particularly useful when discussing the unremarkable demise of a famed and acclaimed person:
“His Grace! Impossible! What a death!
Of old age too, and in his bed!
And could that mighty warrior fall?
And so inglorious, after all!”