Inscription on the Monument of a Newfoundland Do
The poem reflects on the disparity between human and canine loyalty, emphasizing the noble qualities of a dog compared to the flaws of humanity. It begins by critiquing the way society honors individuals based on status rather than true merit, highlighting that monuments often commemorate those who may not deserve such recognition. In contrast, the dog is portrayed as the epitome of loyalty and friendship, always devoted to its master without seeking glory or reward. The speaker laments that while humans seek forgiveness and aspire to greatness, they often fall short, revealing their inherent flaws and moral corruption. The dog, however, remains steadfast and true, yet goes unrecognized in death, denied the honor it deserves. The poem concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of the speaker's singular bond with the dog, marking its grave as a testament to genuine companionship. The work serves as a critique of human vanity and a celebration of the unwavering loyalty found in animals, ultimately suggesting that true worth lies in love and fidelity rather than societal accolades.
By Lord Byron · First published 1815 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Satire · 325 words
First lines
When some proud son of man returns to earth, Unknown to glory, but upheld by birth, The sculptor's art exhausts the pomp of woe, And storied urns record who rest below: When all is done, upon the tomb is seen, Not what he was, but what he should have been: But the poor dog, in life the firmest friend, The first to welcome, foremost to defend, Whose honest heart, is still his master's own, Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone, Unhonour'd falls, unnoticed all his worth, Denied in heaven the soul he held on earth, While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven, And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.
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Inscription on the Monument of a Newfoundland Dog is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lord Byron, dated 1815 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Lord Byron
- Date: 1815 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Satire, Animal Literature, Philosophical
- Length: 325 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Ode On The Death Of A Favourite Cat by Thomas Gray
- Elegy by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Substitute For An Epitaph by Lord Byron
- Epitaph On Edward Purdon by Oliver Goldsmith
- To A Little Lover Lass Dead by Langston Hughes
- To A Dead Friend by Langston Hughes
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Elegy — The poem serves as a lament for the death of a beloved dog, a common theme in elegiac works.
- Satire — The poem critiques human nature and societal norms, employing irony and sarcasm.
- Animal Literature — The central focus is on the life and death of a dog, highlighting themes of loyalty and companionship.
Tags
Elegy · Poem · Mourning · Loss · Grief · Canine · Animal · Commemoration · Monument · Tribute · Lamentation · Nostalgia