Poem Analysis - By The Side Of The Grave Some Years After

A Legacy of Kindness Remembered

Wordsworth's "By The Side Of The Grave Some Years After" is a gentle elegy, not steeped in profound grief, but rather radiating a warm appreciation for a life well-lived. The poem's tone is initially reflective, tinged with the quiet acceptance of loss, but it quickly transitions into celebration and gratitude. There's a hopeful undercurrent throughout, culminating in a sense of peace and the promise of something beyond earthly life. The overall impression is one of contented remembrance rather than agonizing mourning.

Benefits That Endure: The Theme of Enduring Impact

One of the poem's central themes is the enduring impact of a generous life. The speaker emphasizes that even though the deceased is no longer physically present ("Long time his pulse hath ceased to beat"), his positive influence continues to resonate within the community. This is shown in the phrase "benefits, his gift, we trace-- / Expressed in every eye we meet," which suggests that the man's kindness and generosity have touched countless lives in his native Vale. The lines "To stately Hall and Cottage rude / Flowed from his life what still they hold" further reinforce this idea, implying that his generosity extended to all levels of society, leaving a lasting legacy of "light pleasures" and "blessings."

The Diminishment of Faults: A Theme of Charitable Memory

Another key theme is the idea of forgiving and forgetting minor imperfections in light of a person's overall goodness. The poem suggests that any faults the deceased may have possessed are fading from memory or are deliberately overlooked "For charity's sweet sake alone." This is a powerful statement about the human tendency to focus on the positive aspects of those we have loved and lost. It highlights the importance of compassion and understanding in our remembrance of others, choosing to remember their virtues rather than dwelling on their flaws. It subtly suggest the importance of compassion when remembering others who have passed.

Hope Beyond the Grave: Faith and Consolation

The theme of spiritual consolation and hope for an afterlife is most prominent in the final stanza. The lines "And what beyond this thought we crave / Comes in the promise from the Cross, / Shining upon thy happy grave" introduce a religious dimension to the poem. The "Cross" symbolizes Christian faith and the promise of salvation, suggesting that the deceased has found peace and happiness in the afterlife. The image of the cross "Shining upon thy happy grave" is particularly powerful, offering a sense of comfort and assurance to those left behind. It transforms the grave from a symbol of death into a symbol of hope and eternal life.

Illuminating Imagery: Light and Legacy

The poem employs recurring imagery related to light and warmth to convey the positive impact of the deceased's life. Phrases like "light pleasures" suggest that he brought joy and happiness to those around him. The phrase "shining upon thy happy grave" connects light to the promise of afterlife in heaven. This recurring motif creates a sense of optimism and suggests that the deceased's legacy continues to illuminate the community. Moreover, the phrase "every eye we meet" uses the image of the human eye to express that he is missed from all who knew him in the Vale.

Final Thoughts: A Celebration of a Life Lived With Kindness

In conclusion, "By The Side Of The Grave Some Years After" is a touching tribute to a generous and well-loved individual. Wordsworth masterfully blends themes of enduring impact, charitable memory, and spiritual consolation to create a poem that is both poignant and uplifting. The poem's strength lies in its ability to find joy and hope in the face of loss, celebrating the lasting legacy of kindness and reminding us of the power of faith to provide comfort and solace in times of grief. The poem suggests that the best way to honor the dead is to remember their good deeds and strive to emulate their positive qualities.