The Grave of Shelley by Oscar Wilde
The poem reflects on the themes of death, memory, and the legacy of a renowned poet. It opens with a vivid description of a grave site, surrounded by cypress trees and other natural elements, creating a somber yet serene atmosphere. The imagery evokes a sense of stillness and contemplation, as the speaker observes the surroundings, including the night-owl and lizard, which symbolize both life and decay. The grave is depicted as a place of rest, yet the speaker contrasts this with the idea of a restless tomb, suggesting a longing for a more dynamic existence beyond death. The mention of the "Old-World Sphinx" hints at the mysteries of life and death, as well as the enduring nature of art and poetry. The speaker expresses a desire for a more adventurous afterlife, envisioning a tomb in the depths of the ocean or amidst the tumult of shipwrecks, emphasizing the tension between tranquility and chaos. The poem ultimately serves as a meditation on the nature of existence, the inevitability of death, and the enduring impact of a poet's work. It invites readers to reflect on the relationship between mortality and creativity, suggesting that while physical bodies may perish, the essence of artistic expression transcends time and space. The closing lines reinforce the idea of seeking a more profound connection with the world, even in death, highlighting the poet's yearning for a legacy that resonates beyond the grave.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1881 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 153 words
First lines
Like burnt-out torches by a sick man's bed Gaunt cypress-trees stand round the sun-bleached stone;
Here doth the little night-owl make her throne, And the slight lizard show his jewelled head.
And, where the chaliced poppies flame to red, In the still chamber of yon pyramid Surely some Old-World Sphinx lurks darkly hid, Grim warder of this pleasaunce of the dead.
Ah! sweet indeed to rest within the womb Of Earth, great mother of eternal sleep, But sweeter far for thee a restless tomb In the blue cavern of an echoing deep, Or where the tall ships founder in the gloom Against the rocks of some wave-shattered steep.
What this Textopian page supports
The Grave of Shelley is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oscar Wilde, dated 1881 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Oscar Wilde
- Date: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Gothic, Elegy
- Length: 153 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Grave of Shelley by Oscar Wilde
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Grave of Shelley?
- How does this poem by Oscar Wilde fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Remembrance by Lord Byron
- A Threnody by Madison Cawein
- To Elizabeth Obit July 8 1893 by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Farewell Of Clarimonde by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Grave Of Keats by Oscar Wilde
- Lillita by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, death, and the sublime reflect Romantic ideals.
- Symbolism — The imagery and metaphors convey deeper meanings and emotions.
- Gothic — Elements of darkness, death, and the supernatural are present.
Tags
Literary Fiction · Poetry · Romance · Tragedy · Death · Loss · Grief · Mourning · Love · Memorial · Tribute · Biographical