Poem Analysis - To A Sexton

A Plea for Reverence: An Introduction

William Wordsworth's "To A Sexton" is a poignant address, urging a gravedigger to treat the dead with respect and compassion. The poem begins with a tone of mild remonstrance, questioning the sexton's relentless work. However, it quickly evolves into a plea for understanding, highlighting the interconnectedness of the deceased and the emotional bonds that persist even in death. The mood shifts from disapproval to a gentle advocacy for reverence and remembrance, culminating in a personal and heartfelt expression of love and longing.

The Garden of Mortality: Exploring Themes of Life, Death, and Connection

One central theme is the delicate balance between life and death. Wordsworth uses imagery of a garden to represent the graveyard, contrasting the "gardener's pride" in cultivating life with the sexton's seemingly mechanical piling of bones. The poem suggests that even in death, there is a beauty and order that deserves recognition. Another prominent theme is the enduring power of human connection. The poem emphasizes the relationships that defined the lives of the deceased – "Father, sister, friend, and brother" – underscoring that they were not isolated individuals but part of a larger human tapestry. Finally, the poem explores the theme of mortality and the desire for enduring love. Wordsworth reveals his own fears about death and loss, expressing a wish to be buried beside his beloved Jane, so that even in death, their love remains unbroken.

Imagery of Decay and Growth: Symbolism in the Poem

The poem employs stark imagery to convey its message. The "bone-house" piled with "bone on bone" represents the cold, impersonal reality of death. This image is juxtaposed with the vibrant imagery of the gardener's garden, filled with "roses, lilies, side by side, / Violets in families!" The garden symbolizes life, love, and the beauty of natural order. The contrast between these two images highlights the sexton's lack of appreciation for the human stories and connections that lie beneath the surface of death. The phrase "a field of battle made, / Where three thousand skulls are laid," creates a visual image of mass death and the lack of individuality that the speaker finds so offensive.

The Warden's Responsibility: A Superior Garden

Wordsworth calls the sexton "the Warden / Of a far superior garden," suggesting that the graveyard, while a place of death, is also a garden of human stories and relationships. The sexton, as warden, has a responsibility to treat this space with respect and care. This "superior garden" is one where individuals were connected in life and should be allowed to rest in peace, undisturbed. The idea of a "superior garden" raises a question about the sexton's perception: does he see only bones, or does he acknowledge the rich history and emotional weight contained within the graveyard?

A Love Undimmed by Death: Conclusion

In conclusion, "To A Sexton" is a powerful plea for reverence and remembrance. Through vivid imagery, emotional appeals, and a shift from remonstrance to personal expression, Wordsworth conveys the importance of respecting the dead and acknowledging the enduring power of human connection. The poem ultimately suggests that even in the face of mortality, love and memory can transcend death, creating a "superior garden" where the deceased are not forgotten but cherished as part of a larger human story. The final stanza about Jane elevates the poem from a general plea to a poignant and personal declaration of love and a wish to be united even in death.