A Poet’s Epitaph Questions Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the poet of “A Poet’s Epitaph”?
William Wordsworth.
What is the main setting of the poem?
A grave or burial site.
Which profession is advised to stay away from the grave?
A lawyer.
What does the poet think of a “Man of purple cheer”?
The grave is not a comfortable place for him.
What should a soldier do according to the poem?
Lay aside his sword and lean on a peasant’s staff.
How does the poet describe a physician in relation to the grave?
As someone who should not probe or botanize at the grave.
What is advised for the philosopher regarding the grave?
To keep his intellectual pursuits away from the grave.
What does the poem say about a moralist’s suitability for the grave?
The moralist is too self-absorbed to appreciate the grave.
What should an intellectual do according to the poem?
Remain distant and not interfere with the grave.
How does Wordsworth describe the humble person suited for the grave?
Modest and clad in russet brown.
What does the humble person do near running brooks?
He creates music sweeter than the brooks.
How is the humble person’s solitude compared in the poem?
As peaceful as noontide dew or a noon-day fountain.
What kind of truths does the humble person impart?
Simple, random truths from everyday life.
What does the poem suggest about the humble person’s understanding of things?
He enjoys simple things that others understand.
What does the poem say about those who are weak or strong in relation to the grave?
Both can find rest there.
What does Wordsworth think about worldly success in relation to the grave?
It is irrelevant and does not suit the grave.
What does the poet think of a statists’ focus on public conflicts?
He should first learn to love individuals before thinking about the dead.
How does the poem address those who seek intellectual engagement at the grave?
They should refrain from such pursuits near the grave.
What type of person is described as not being able to rest peacefully in the grave?
One preoccupied with intellectual or worldly matters.
What does the poet suggest about the nature of the humble person’s contentment?
He is content with simple, common things.
What imagery does Wordsworth use to contrast with the grave?
Natural imagery like brooks and dew.
What does the poem say about the “smooth-rubbed soul” of the moralist?
It is self-sufficient and lacks deep feeling.
How does the poet view the philosopher’s presence at the grave?
As unwelcome and overly analytical.
What is the tone of the poem towards the different professions?
Critical and reflective.
What role does nature play in the poem?
It contrasts with the superficial achievements of people.
How does the poem describe the grave’s appropriateness for different individuals?
It suggests that only those with humble, simple natures are truly appropriate.
What does the poet imply about the value of worldly achievements?
They are insignificant in the context of the grave.
What invitation is extended to readers at the end of the poem?
To find rest and peace in the grave regardless of their strength or weakness.
How is the grave described in relation to personal achievements?
As a place where achievements matter less than personal qualities.
What does the poet value more than worldly success?
Simplicity, humility, and contemplation.
Short Answer Questions
What is the significance of the poet addressing different professions in the poem?
Wordsworth addresses different professions to critique their worldly achievements and characteristics. He suggests that these professions—statists, lawyers, doctors, soldiers—are not suited for the grave because their focus on external success or intellectual pursuits contrasts with the humble, contemplative nature appropriate for resting in peace.
How does the poem describe the appropriate qualities for someone to rest in the grave?
The poem suggests that the ideal person for the grave is humble, modest, and content with simple pleasures. This person is depicted as someone who finds beauty in everyday things and has a deep, contemplative nature rather than worldly success or intellectual pretensions.
What does Wordsworth imply about the relationship between intellectual pursuits and the grave?
Wordsworth implies that intellectual pursuits are out of place in the grave. He criticizes philosophers and intellectuals for their focus on abstract ideas and analysis, suggesting that such pursuits are irrelevant to the peaceful, simple rest of the grave.
How does the poet use natural imagery to contrast with societal roles in the poem?
Wordsworth uses imagery of nature, such as running brooks, noontide dew, and a noon-day grove, to highlight the simplicity and tranquility that he values. This natural imagery contrasts with the superficial and often contentious nature of societal roles, underscoring the idea that true peace lies in humility and natural beauty rather than in social status or intellectual achievement.
What is the tone of the poem towards the various professions mentioned, and why?
The tone of the poem is critical and reflective towards the various professions. Wordsworth views professions like statists, lawyers, and doctors with skepticism, suggesting that their preoccupation with power, success, or intellect makes them unsuitable for the humble and peaceful nature of the grave.
How does the poet’s view of the “humble” person differ from his view of other societal roles?
The poet’s view of the humble person is highly favorable compared to other societal roles. Unlike those focused on worldly success or intellectual pursuits, the humble person is portrayed as someone who finds joy in simple things and possesses a deep, reflective nature, making him most suited for the peaceful rest of the grave.
What does the poem suggest about the value of material success and intellectual achievements in the context of death?
The poem suggests that material success and intellectual achievements are ultimately insignificant in the context of death. Wordsworth emphasizes that true value lies in humility and a deep connection to simple, everyday experiences, rather than in societal status or intellectual accomplishments.
How does Wordsworth’s personal philosophy on nature and simplicity influence the poem?
Wordsworth’s personal philosophy, which values nature and simplicity, strongly influences the poem. His belief in the spiritual and emotional benefits of nature and humble living is reflected in the poem’s praise for the simple, contemplative individual who finds beauty and peace in ordinary things.
What role does the humble person play in the poem, and how is he depicted?
The humble person in the poem is depicted as ideal for the grave due to his modesty and contentment with simple pleasures. He is portrayed as someone who enjoys the natural world and finds deep truths in everyday experiences, making him a fitting candidate for peaceful rest.
What invitation does the poem extend to readers regarding the grave?
The poem invites readers to recognize that both the strong and the weak can find rest in the grave. It suggests that the grave is a place where material success and intellectual achievements matter less than personal qualities like humility and simplicity, encouraging all individuals to reflect on their true nature and find peace.
