Elegy-Will Atkins

“The Doomed” by Emily Dickinson

The Doomed -- regard the Sunrise
With different Delight --
Because -- when next it burns abroad
They doubt to witness it --

The Man -- to die -- tomorrow --
Harks for the Meadow Bird --
Because its Music stirs the Axe
That clamors for his head --

Joyful -- to whom the Sunrise
Precedes Enamored -- Day --
Joyful -- for whom the Meadow Bird
Has ought but Elegy!

“The Doomed” by Emily Dickinson breaks the three elements of elegy poems into three simple stanzas. The first element of elegy is lamentation, where the author expresses their grief and sorrow. In the poem the demonstration of this comes in the first stanza using strong, sorrowful words like, “Doomed,” and, “doubt.” The second element of elegy, praise and admiration, appears in the second stanza with the use of the phrase, “Harks for the Meadow Bird.” This creates a more positive, admiring tone for the stanza. The final element of elegy is consolation and solace. This can be seen in the last stanza through the repetition of the word, “Joyful,” signifying that the author has come to peace with the idea of death and therefore while not welcomes it, has come to terms with it.