ah, are you digging on my grave poem analysis

ah, are you digging on my grave poem analysis

Introduction

The poem by Thomas Hardy called “ah, are you digging on my grave,” presents a unique way of delivering the poets message. Essentially, this poem is a dialogue between the persona and various other characters. There is a significant use of elements in this poem which have been used to drive the message home. For instance, the entire poem presents allusion when the reader is caused to think that probably the persona is dead (Shires, 2018, p91). Essentially, there is the repetition of the title sentence in each stanza which is critical in stressing the meaning of the poem. It is important to emphasize that each of the stanzas is significant in the communication of the poet’s message.

Analysis of The Stanzas

The first stanza starts with a dialogue. The persona alludes that there is someone that is digging on her grave. In essence, the importance of the first stanza is to inform the reader that the persona is dead. Additionally, the reader finds out that the persona is a lady who has left behind her lover. However, despite the hope that it is her lover who is digging on her grave, she is informed that it is not him (Shires, 2018, p93). This is an indication that she hopes that her lover misses her which unfortunately turns out incorrect. In fact he has moved on and he is about to remarry a bright girl from a wealthy family. He has moved on. Further, the second stanza, brings to the discussion the love of a relative. The dead woman is curious to find out whether her relatives too have moved on. The repetition of the title sentence emphasizes that she is sure that there is someone who misses her and who has not been able to forget her. In the third line, she is asked what use it is even if the family members were to plant flowers. Arguably, to her relatives, she is no use if she is not alive. Therefore, they are busy with matters that are more important than her memories. Her closest kin does not even tender her grave.

On the other hand, the idea of an enemy is brought to the discussion. She thinks that maybe her worst enemy may still be in pursuance of her or perhaps to make sure she is dead (Shires, 2018, p92). However, the stanza informs the reader that even hatred is valued. The enemy does not hate one that is not worth it. Just like love, hate is also earned. This particular verse shows how worthless the persona is. Arguably, the issue of the loyalty of an animal is brought to the attention of the reader. The persona guesses that perhaps knowing how close she dog was to her, the dog must have been unable to move on. The dog confirms “it is I, my mistress dear.” (Shires, 2018, p92). It shows the love and loyalty between a dog and its owner. A relationship built on respect. This stanza, bears the message of how loving and faithful a dog can be even more than the closest family member or lover.

Additionally, the fifth stanza goes on to show how the most faithful of friends is likely to be overlooked. The persona admits this human weakness of failing to hold with regard those that care the most. That even though the dog fails to forget its mistress, she forgets it. The stanza also emphasizes through personification how animals are capable to show care and fidelity more than human beings themselves. The stanza brings out the opinion that dogs love goes beyond flesh and thus it is genuine. However, the narrative changes in the last stanza of this poem. This change occurs when the dog after confirming that it has been digging says “to bury a bone.” The theme of materialism –is brought up in this last stanza more than in any other stanza in the poem. In essence, the dog cares more about its food more than anything else in life (Shires, 2018, p93). The message becomes that even the dog is not truly faithful to its mistress. In fact, the truth is that the dog was only faithful when she was alive because it probably benefited from her.

Additionally, the grave site is as good as any other place. To the dog, there is need to ensure that it hides a bone so that if it happens to pass near that spot it does not go hungry. Its needs have been put before its mistress who is already dead. Further, just like the other individuals, it has also forgotten her. To make matters worse, just like the other people mentioned, the dog does not attach any importance to the grave or to her memory. This fact brings about the theme of disappointment.

Essentially, this stanza changes the message from that of faithfulness to that of disappointment. No one cares enough beyond their needs and hence, in life everyone including those dear to us only remain faithful and loving when we are around. In the event of our demise, they all leave. This fact is the message of the poem. Significantly, this message is true and relatable with. Essentially, Human relationships are unions that are bound by needs and benefits without which the care ceases to exist (Shires, 2018, p92). This meaning and interpretation is agreeable with as disloyalty and forgetfulness is the nature of human beings.

In conclusion, Thomas hardy uses various elements osuch as repetition and allusion to make his message clear. The poem focuses on the themes of fidelity and disappointment. As seen no one cares about the other unless they benefit.