Introduction
"Lycidas" is a renowned pastoral elegy composed by John Milton, one of the most eminent English poets of the 17th century. Published in 1638, the poem serves as a lamentation for Edward King, a fellow student at Cambridge who tragically drowned in the Irish Sea. The elegy is named after the shepherd Lycidas, a character from ancient Greek pastoral poetry, and it draws upon the conventions of the pastoral genre while also incorporating elements of the elegiac tradition.
What is a Pastoral Elegy?
A pastoral elegy is a type of poem that combines the conventions of pastoral poetry with the themes of mourning and loss. Pastoral poetry typically features idealized settings of rural life, with shepherds and shepherdesses as characters. Elegies, on the other hand, are poems that lament the death of a person.
How does Lycidas fit the Pastoral Elegy genre?
- Setting: The poem is set in an idealized Arcadia, a mythical land of peace and beauty.
- Characters: The speaker and Lycidas are both shepherds, representing Milton and King, respectively.
- Themes: The poem explores themes of grief, loss, the transience of life, and the hope for consolation and immortality.
1. Pastoral Elements:
- Shepherd Imagery: Milton employs the pastoral tradition by presenting the characters as shepherds, a common motif in pastoral poetry. Lycidas, the deceased friend, is depicted as a shepherd who has met an untimely death.
- Nature and Landscape: The poem is set against the backdrop of nature, using vivid descriptions of the pastoral landscape. The pastoral scenes symbolize both the idyllic and fleeting nature of life.
2. Elegiac Elements:
- Lamentation: As an elegy, "Lycidas" is fundamentally an expression of grief. Milton mourns the loss of his friend, exploring themes of death, mortality, and the transience of life.
- Consolation: The poem seeks to console the mourners by addressing the idea of immortality and the possibility of life after death. Milton draws on Christian themes to provide comfort in the face of tragedy.
3. Religious and Mythological Allusions:
- Biblical References: Milton, a deeply religious poet, incorporates biblical allusions into the elegy. The poem reflects his theological concerns, including references to the parable of the talents and the biblical story of King David.
- Classical Allusions: Milton draws on classical mythology, incorporating references to the Muses, Proteus, and other figures from Greek and Roman tradition. These allusions enrich the poem's intellectual depth.
4. Invocation and Allegory:
- Invocation of the Muse: Following the classical tradition, Milton begins with an invocation to the Muse, seeking inspiration for his elegy. This invocation connects "Lycidas" to classical epics and reinforces its literary lineage.
- Allegorical Elements: The poem contains allegorical elements, with characters representing real individuals and abstract concepts. Lycidas, for instance, is not just a shepherd but symbolizes the deceased friend and the broader theme of the loss of virtuous individuals.
5. Elegy as Critique:
- Social and Political Commentary: "Lycidas" is not merely a personal lament but also a reflection on the political and ecclesiastical turmoil of Milton's time. The poem addresses issues such as corruption within the clergy and the state of the Church of England.
6. Structure and Style:
- Miltonic Verse: The poem is written in a variation of the Spenserian stanza, a nine-line verse form employed by Edmund Spenser. This choice reflects Milton's engagement with earlier poetic traditions and showcases his mastery of poetic form.
- Elevated Style: Milton's language is elevated and complex, characteristic of his broader poetic style. The poem is replete with metaphors, similes, and intricate wordplay.
"Lycidas" stands as a multifaceted work that transcends the boundaries of pastoral and elegy. It serves not only as a memorial for a departed friend but also as a meditation on life, death, faith, and the challenges facing society. By skillfully blending classical, biblical, and personal elements, Milton creates a rich and enduring piece of literature that continues to captivate readers with its emotional depth and intellectual resonance.
