1. Abundance of Common Nouns:
The poem is characterized by the frequent use of common nouns. These nouns refer to general objects, places, or concepts without specifying any particular name. For example, words like "churchyard," "village," "tombs," "flowers," "peasant," "youth," and "village children" are all common nouns that appear throughout the poem.
2. Personification:
Gray personifies abstract concepts and natural elements by using nouns in a metaphorical sense. For instance, "Time's effacing finger," "Dull scythe of Time," and "the lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea" are examples of personification where inanimate objects and concepts are given human-like qualities.
3. Nature Imagery:
The poem evokes a strong sense of nature through its rich imagery. Nouns related to the natural world are used extensively, including "twilight," "moon," "stars," "breeze," "meadows," "grove," "streams," and "flowers." These nouns help create a vivid and tranquil atmosphere in the churchyard setting.
4. Symbolism:
Gray employs symbolic nouns to convey deeper meanings. The "humbler graves" and "storied urn and animated bust" symbolize the equality of people in death, while the "ivy-mantled tower" and "yew-tree's shade" represent the passage of time and the transient nature of life.
5. Social Commentary:
The poem addresses social issues through the use of specific nouns. Words like "rude forefathers of the hamlet," "village Hampden," and "mute inglorious Milton" highlight the overlooked talents and contributions of individuals in lower social ranks. This serves as a commentary on social inequality and the untapped potential within marginalized communities.
6. Epitaphs and Mementos:
The poem incorporates several epitaphs and descriptions of tombstones, each containing specific nouns that provide insights into the lives of those buried in the churchyard. These nouns range from occupations ("the plowman homeward plods his weary way") to personal traits ("her modest beauty shines"), offering glimpses into the lives and characters of the deceased.
Overall, the nouns in Gray's "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" contribute significantly to the poem's evocative imagery, symbolic meanings, and contemplation of mortality and the human condition.