Introduction: “Lay of the Lone Survivor”
“Lay of the Lone Survivor” recounts the harrowing tale of resilience and perseverance amidst the wreckage of adversity. An elegy is a meditative lyrical poem that laments the death of a person, typically a relation, friend, or loved one, broadening its themes to encompass human morality and mortality. However, in classical literature, it was simply a poem written in dactylic hexameter and sometimes in pentameter, with the subject not specifically focused on lamentation or death. When it was embraced in English Literature, it evolved into a lugubrious expression of the death of near and dear ones to the speaker or poet. There are several famous pastoral elegies in English Literature, the foremost being “Lycidas” by John Milton, written on the death of his friend Edward King. Another notable example is “Adonais” by P. B. Shelley, composed in memory of his friend Keats.
Major Features of Elegy
A short glance at both of these pieces demonstrates that an elegy has three major features that distinguish it from an ode or epitaph.
- The first one is it is a sort of lamentation or expression of lugubrious feelings generally over the death of somebody close to the poet. It is an expression of grief of the speaker that he feels at the death of the person for whom he writes.
- The second point is that the poet admires the person he has idealized and narrates his exploits and achievements.
- The third one is that he draws consolation from the narrated event or incident or past that has made him express his sorrow.
“Lay of the Lone Survivor”: An Elegy
Regarding the son of the lone survivor in Beowulf, it contains almost all the elements of a pastoral elegy and could have influenced elegiac writings in classical English literature. However, within Beowulf, it is considered merely a digression as the lone survivor remains unnamed. This individual, a servant of a princess during Beowulf’s reign, escapes brutal punishment by seeking refuge in a dragon’s cave, where he discovers rich heirlooms, suggesting a noble lineage. Death permeates everything except him, granting him a temporary reprieve. In his solitude, he chants a lay, which transforms into an elegy. These lines encompass the essence of a pastoral elegy as the nobleman or prince mourns the death of his lineage, lamenting over the desolation of the earth.
“Now hold thou, earth, since heroes may not,
what earls have owned! Lo, erst from thee
brave men brought it! But battle-death seized
and cruel killing my clansmen all,
robbed them of life and a liegeman’s joys.” (2257-2262)
Death and “Lay of the Lone Survivor” as an Elegy
These lines lament the death of all those who perished in battle. The cruel hand of death has claimed them all, from heroes to earls, now resting in their graves. Before him, in the cave, lies everything belonging to these fallen warriors, as he remains their faithful follower. His grief stems from the realization that there is no one left for him to fight for. All his valiant noblemen have succumbed to death’s embrace, leaving behind only their treasures. Their armor, swords, and shields now accompany the heirlooms, evoking a lugubrious tone as he reflects on their loss.
“My brave are gone.
And the helmet hard, all haughty with gold,
shall part from its plating. Polishers sleep
who could brighten and burnish the battle-mask;
and those weeds of war that were wont to brave
over bicker of shields the bite of steel
rust with their bearer.” (263-273)
These lines also contain the admiration and praise of those brave who have gone and all their gold and war tools have been left there to rust forever. Despite these feelings, the lamentation is still there in the lines. Nothing is left now;
“No harp’s delight,
no glee-wood’s gladness! No good hawk now
flies through the hall! Nor horses fleet
stamp in the burgstead! Battle and death
the flower of my race have reft away.” (272-276)
Conclusion: “Lay of the Lone Survivor”
Contrary to a pastoral elegy and adhering to the classical form of praising after lamentation, the lone survivor engages once more in mournful reflection, lamenting the absence of harp songs, the disappearance of joyous gatherings, and even the demise of horses. Battles and death have laid waste to all. He continues, remarking that only their possessions remain, now left to rust in the barrow, guarded by the dragon. The first element, lamentation for the lost loved ones, expressing grief and sorrow, is evident in these lines. Additionally, the second element of praise and admiration for the reputation, courage, and warrior nature of his clansmen is present. This is evident in his admiration for the shields and battle armors that belonged to them. However, there is no consolation for this lone survivor, perhaps due to his own lowly status as he nears death, finding no solace in who would succeed him. Nonetheless, as the first unconscious effort, it could be deemed an elegy in Beowulf.
Works Cited: “Lay of the Lone Survivor”
Anonymous. Beowulf. Trans. Francis Barton Gummere. Vol. 1. New York: Wily, 2010.
Relevant Questions about “Lay of the Lone Survivor”
- How does “Lay of the Lone Survivor” explore themes of isolation and resilience in the face of adversity?
- What narrative techniques does “Lay of the Lone Survivor” employ to evoke a sense of atmosphere and tension?
- In what ways does “Lay of the Lone Survivor” challenge traditional notions of heroism and survival?
