Eulogy

Etymology of Eulogy

The word “eulogy” comes from the Greek term “eulogia,” which means “good words.” The prefix “eu” means “good,” and “logos” means “word” or “speech.” In ancient Greece, a eulogy was a speech given at a funeral or public event that praised the deceased person’s character and accomplishments.

In English, a eulogy is a speech or piece of writing that honors and pays tribute to a person who has recently died. It is typically delivered at a funeral or memorial service and highlights the person’s positive qualities, achievements, and contributions to their community or society.

Meanings:

The literal meanings of the word “eulogy” are derived from its Greek roots. The prefix “eu” means “good” or “well,” while “logos” means “word” or “speech.” So, the literal meanings of “eulogy” are:

1. “Good words” or “well-spoken words”
2. “Praise” or “commendation”
3. “A tribute” or “a speech of praise”

These meanings reflect the traditional use of eulogies in ancient Greece, where they were speeches of praise given in honor of a deceased person. In modern usage, eulogies are still typically used to praise the deceased, but they can also be used to honor and celebrate the achievements and contributions of living individuals.

Definition of Eulogy

As a literary device, a eulogy is a speech or piece of writing that pays tribute to a person or thing, highlighting their positive qualities and achievements. It is often used to create a sense of reverence and admiration, as well as to evoke emotions such as sadness or nostalgia. Eulogies can be used in a variety of genres, including poetry, prose, and drama.

Types of Eulogy

There are different types of eulogies, including:

1. Personal eulogy: This type of eulogy focuses on the personal qualities and experiences of the deceased, highlighting their unique characteristics, interests, and achievements.
2. Religious eulogy: This type of eulogy is often delivered within a religious context and may incorporate scriptures, prayers, or other religious elements.
3. Professional eulogy: This type of eulogy is commonly used to honor the achievements and contributions of the deceased in their professional life, highlighting their career milestones, impact on their field, and the legacy they leave behind.
4. Tribute eulogy: This type of eulogy is a general tribute to the deceased that often includes personal stories and anecdotes shared by family members, friends, or colleagues.
5. Commemorative eulogy: This type of eulogy is typically delivered on anniversaries or special occasions to commemorate the life and memory of the deceased.
6. Inspirational eulogy: This type of eulogy seeks to inspire and uplift the audience, often using the life and legacy of the deceased as an example of strength, perseverance, and positivity.

In short, the type of eulogy selected will depend on the occasion, audience, and the preferences of the family and friends of the deceased.

Literary Examples of Eulogy

1. Eulogy for Othello in Othello by William Shakespeare:

Extract: “This is thy work: the object poisons sight. / Let it be hid.”

Explanation: This eulogy is delivered by Lodovico in “Othello” after the tragic death of Othello, the play’s protagonist. The lines are a lament for Othello’s downfall and a reflection on the way that jealousy and suspicion can cloud one’s perception of the truth.

Reference: Shakespeare, William. “Othello.” Act 5, Scene 2.

• Eulogy for Julius Caesar in Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare:

Extract: “Here was a Caesar! when comes such another?”

Explanation: This eulogy is delivered by Mark Antony in “Julius Caesar” after the assassination of the eponymous character. The lines are a tribute to Caesar’s greatness and a condemnation of his murderers.

Reference: Shakespeare, William. “Julius Caesar.” Act 3, Scene 2.

• Eulogy for Yorick in Hamlet by William Shakespeare:

Extract: “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow / of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.”

Explanation: This eulogy is delivered by Hamlet in “Hamlet” as he holds the skull of Yorick, the court jester. The lines are a reflection on the transience of life and the power of memory.

Reference: Shakespeare, William. “Hamlet.” Act 5, Scene 1.

• Eulogy for Abraham Lincoln by Walt Whitman:

Extract: “O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done, / The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won.”

Explanation: This eulogy is a poem written by Walt Whitman after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The lines are a metaphorical tribute to Lincoln’s leadership and sacrifice, comparing him to a captain who has led his ship through stormy waters to a hard-won victory.

Reference: Whitman, Walt. “O Captain! My Captain!” Leaves of Grass.

• Eulogy for Arthur Hallam in “In Memoriam A.H.H.” by Alfred Lord Tennyson:

Extract: “I hold it true, whate’er befall; / I feel it, when I sorrow most; / ‘Tis better to have loved and lost / Than never to have loved at all.”

Explanation: This eulogy is a poem written by Alfred Lord Tennyson in memory of his friend Arthur Hallam, who died at a young age. The lines are a reflection on the nature of grief, loss, and love, and a tribute to the power of memory and friendship.

Reference: Tennyson, Alfred Lord. In Memoriam A.H.H.

How to Create a Eulogy

Writing a eulogy can be a daunting task, but here are some steps that may help you create a meaningful and heartfelt tribute to the deceased:

1. Gather information: Take some time to gather information about the deceased. Speak to their family members and friends, look through old photos and mementos, and take note of their accomplishments, hobbies, and interests.
2. Choose a focus: Decide what you want to focus on in your eulogy. You might choose to highlight the deceased’s personality, their achievements, their impact on others, or some other aspect of their life.
3. Brainstorm: Spend some time brainstorming ideas for your eulogy. Write down any memories, stories, or quotes that come to mind. Don’t worry about organizing your ideas at this stage.
4. Organize your ideas: Once you have a list of ideas, start organizing them into a coherent structure. You might choose to arrange your ideas chronologically, thematically, or according to the deceased’s personality traits.
5. Write your eulogy: Using your notes and outline as a guide, start writing your eulogy. Keep in mind that a good eulogy is personal, heartfelt, and respectful. Be sure to include personal anecdotes, memories, and reflections on the deceased’s life.
6. Edit and revise: Once you have a draft of your eulogy, take some time to read it over and make revisions. Edit for clarity, tone, and length, and make sure your eulogy accurately reflects the life and personality of the deceased.
7. Practice: Practice delivering your eulogy out loud. You might want to rehearse in front of a mirror, a trusted friend or family member, or record yourself on your phone. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable when the time comes to deliver your eulogy.

NOTE: Remember that a eulogy is a tribute to the deceased, so focus on celebrating their life and honoring their memory. It’s okay to feel emotional and vulnerable while writing and delivering your eulogy, but take comfort in knowing that your words can provide comfort and support to those who are grieving.

Benefits of Writing or Delivering a Eulogy

Eulogies offer several benefits to both the speaker and the audience. Here are some of the main benefits of eulogies:

1. Honoring the deceased: A eulogy is an opportunity to honor the life and memory of the deceased. It allows the speaker to celebrate the person’s accomplishments, personality, and impact on others, and helps the audience remember the person in a positive light.
2. Providing comfort: Eulogies can be a source of comfort for the audience, especially those who are grieving. They can provide a sense of closure and help people process their emotions.
3. Bringing people together: Eulogies can bring family and friends together in a shared experience of mourning and remembrance. They can create a sense of community and support during a difficult time.
4. Sharing memories and stories: Eulogies allow people to share memories and stories about the deceased, which can be both healing and therapeutic. They can help people remember the person as they were in life, and keep their memory alive.
5. Honing public speaking skills: For the speaker, delivering a eulogy can be an opportunity to practice public speaking and develop confidence in front of an audience. It can also be a chance to reflect on the meaning and importance of life, and to pay tribute to someone who was important to them

Eulogy and Literary Theory

Eulogies can be analyzed through several literary theories, depending on the context and purpose of the eulogy. Here are a few examples:

1. Reader-Response Theory: This theory focuses on the reader’s interpretation and response to a literary text. In the case of a eulogy, the theory could be applied to the audience’s reaction to the speaker’s words. The eulogy becomes a text that is interpreted and responded to by the listeners, and their reactions are influenced by their own experiences and emotions.
2. New Criticism: This theory emphasizes close reading of a literary text, looking at its formal elements and structure. In the case of a eulogy, a New Critic might analyze the speaker’s use of language, imagery, and tone to create meaning and convey emotion.
3. Feminist Theory: This theory examines how gender influences literature and language. In the case of a eulogy, a feminist analysis might look at how gender roles and stereotypes are reinforced or challenged in the speaker’s words, or how the eulogy reflects cultural attitudes toward death and mourning.
4. Psychoanalytic Theory: This theory looks at how unconscious desires and conflicts influence literary texts. In the case of a eulogy, a psychoanalytic analysis might look at how the speaker’s own unconscious feelings about the deceased, or their own mortality, are reflected in their words.
5. Postcolonial Theory: This theory examines how power relations between different groups are reflected in literature. In the case of a eulogy, a postcolonial analysis might look at how the speaker’s words reflect cultural or social hierarchies, or how the eulogy reflects the relationship between the deceased and their community or society.

Suggested Readings

Williams, Victoria R. Celebrating Life Customs around the World: From Baby Showers to Funerals [3 volumes]. ABC-CLIO, 2016.

Kent, Michael Lee. The Rhetoric of Eulogies: A Generic Critique of Classic and Contemporary Funeral Oratory. Diss. Purdue University, 1997. Sedgwick, Eve Kosofsky. “Eulogy.” Women & Performance: A Journal of Feminist Theory 13.1 (2002): 233-236.