The Great Equalizer: Exploring the Theme of Death in Poetry

What is the central theme present in the poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard"?

A. Cemeteries are places of peace and humility.

B. At night is the best time to visit the cemetery.

C. Epitaphs should be profound.

D. Death is the great equalizer.

Answer:

The theme present in "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" is that death is the great equalizer. Option D.

The poem discusses the idea that no matter one's social status or wealth, everyone will eventually die and be buried in the same manner. This theme is reflected in lines such as "The paths of glory lead but to the grave" and "The boast of heraldry, the pomp of pow'r/ And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave/ Awaits alike th' inevitable hour." The poem also reflects on the lives of those buried in the churchyard, emphasizing that they were once like anyone else, with hopes and dreams that were never fully realized.

While the poem does take place in a cemetery, it does not necessarily suggest that cemeteries are places of peace and humility, nor does it suggest that nighttime is the best time to visit them. Additionally, while the poem does include several epitaphs, it does not suggest that they should necessarily be profound.

Overall, the central theme of the poem is the inevitability of death and the idea that it is the great equalizer, as no one can escape it regardless of their status or wealth. So, Option D is correct.