Elegiac stanza meaning

An elegiac stanza is a poetic form that typically expresses sorrow or mourning, often with a focus on loss.


Elegiac stanza definitions

Word backwards caigele aznats
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "elegiac stanza" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division el-e-gi-ac stan-za
Plural The plural of elegiac stanza is elegiac stanzas.
Total letters 13
Vogais (3) e,i,a
Consonants (7) l,g,c,s,t,n,z

The elegiac stanza is a poetic form commonly used in elegies, which are poems that express sorrow for someone who has passed away or reflect on themes of loss and mourning. It typically consists of a quatrain, or four lines, with a rhyme scheme of alternating lines of dactylic hexameter and pentameter.

Origin and Structure

The elegiac stanza has its origins in ancient Greek poetry, particularly the work of poets such as Callimachus and Mimnermus. It was later popularized by Roman poets like Ovid and Catullus. The structure of the elegiac stanza typically includes a dactylic hexameter line followed by a line of dactylic pentameter.

Themes and Usage

Elegiac stanzas are commonly used to explore themes of love, loss, and remembrance. They often evoke a sense of longing or melancholy, making them well-suited for poems that deal with themes of grief and mourning. While traditionally associated with elegies, the elegiac stanza can also be used in other types of poetry to create a certain mood or tone.

Notable Examples

One of the most famous examples of the elegiac stanza is Ovid's "Amores," a collection of poems that explore the theme of love and desire. Another notable example is Thomas Gray's "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," which reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the passage of time. These poems demonstrate the versatility and emotional depth that can be achieved through the use of the elegiac stanza.

In conclusion, the elegiac stanza is a poetic form that has been used for centuries to evoke feelings of loss, longing, and remembrance. Its distinctive structure and rhyme scheme make it a powerful tool for poets looking to explore themes of grief and mourning or create a certain mood or tone in their work.


Elegiac stanza Examples

  1. The poet used an elegiac stanza to reflect on the passing of time in his work.
  2. In the elegiac stanza, the poet expressed sorrow over the loss of a loved one.
  3. The elegiac stanza captured the melancholy mood of the rainy day.
  4. She wrote an elegiac stanza to commemorate the anniversary of her father's death.
  5. The elegiac stanza conveyed a sense of nostalgia for days gone by.
  6. The poet's use of an elegiac stanza added a somber tone to the poem.
  7. In his elegiac stanza, the poet paid tribute to the beauty of nature.
  8. The elegiac stanza evoked a sense of longing for a time that can never be recaptured.
  9. The elegiac stanza provided a sense of closure at the end of the poem.
  10. She employed an elegiac stanza to convey a sense of loss and yearning in her writing.


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  • Updated 04/04/2024 - 00:20:04