Poem Analysis - The Old Mans Grave

A Gentle Farewell: Introduction to "The Old Man's Grave"

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "The Old Man's Grave" is a tender and comforting elegy. The poem possesses a gentle, almost soothing tone, expressing a desire for a peaceful and natural resting place for the deceased. There is no harsh grief here, but rather a quiet acceptance and a wish for the man's grave to be surrounded by the beauty he loved in life. The mood is consistently serene, focusing on the tranquility of nature and the cyclical continuity of life and death.

Nature's Embrace: A Key Theme

One of the central themes of the poem is the integration of death into the natural world. The speaker repeatedly requests that the grave be situated within a landscape that was meaningful to the old man. Phrases like "winds may sweep / Through the pine boughs," "murmur of the sea," and "meadows wide Greenly lie" emphasize the importance of nature as a source of solace and connection. This isn't a sterile or isolated grave; it's an integral part of the natural cycle. The poem suggests that death is not an ending but a return to the earth, a continuation of existence within the larger context of nature.

Honoring a Life Well-Lived: A Celebration of Existence

The poem also touches upon the theme of honoring a life well-lived through remembrance and legacy. The "Harvest fields he reaped and trod," and "Orchard lands where bloom and blow / Trees he planted long ago" directly link the landscape to the man's life and labor. These images suggest a life of productivity, connection to the land, and a lasting contribution to the world. The act of planting trees becomes a symbol of his long-term impact, suggesting that even in death, his influence continues to blossom. The fact that these fields and orchards are requested to surround his grave indicates a desire to commemorate his industriousness and his connection to the land he cultivated.

Eternal Rest: Peace and Tranquility

The theme of eternal peace and rest is woven throughout the poem. The constant repetition of requests for gentle and soothing elements, such as "falling raindrops sing Gently to his slumbering," and "dewy grasses creep Tenderly above his sleep," establishes a sense of profound tranquility. The poem paints a picture of a grave where the natural world lulls the deceased into a perpetual state of calm. The description of "starshine dim" and "sunrise glory" further reinforces the idea of a serene and beautiful environment conducive to undisturbed rest, suggesting that death is not a frightening void but a peaceful and eternal slumber.

Recurring Imagery: Connecting Life and Death

The recurring image of the sea serves as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. The "murmur of the sea" is mentioned both at the beginning and end, framing the poem and providing a sense of cyclical continuity. The sea, with its constant ebb and flow, symbolizes the rhythm of life and death. It suggests that even in death, there is a continuous flow of energy and existence. The sea's murmur, described as an "eternal dirge," transforms the grieving process into a peaceful and continuous lament, highlighting the enduring connection between the deceased and the natural world.

Concluding Thoughts: An Ode to Serenity

In conclusion, "The Old Man's Grave" is a gentle and moving elegy that celebrates a life lived in harmony with nature. Through vivid imagery and a soothing tone, Montgomery creates a vision of a peaceful and comforting resting place. The poem highlights themes of integration with nature, honoring a life well-lived, and achieving eternal rest. Ultimately, the poem offers a message of solace, suggesting that death is not an ending but a transition into a state of peaceful unity with the natural world, eternally soothed by the murmuring sea and the gentle embrace of the earth.