Write the central idea of the poem' Death the Leveller' .
Answers
Answer:
The setting of Death the Leveller:
This poem shifts between a number of settings. In the first stanza, we get a glimpse of kingly courts as well as of the fields of peasants. In the second stanza, we are confronted with a battlefield. In the third stanza, we see an altar of human sacrifice as well as a graveyard.
Stanza-wise Annotation of Death the Leveller:
Please note: N= noun, V=verb, Adj=Adjective, Adv=Adverb, P=Preposition
1st stanza:
Substantial (Adj): Of considerable importance, size, or worth
Armour (N): The metal coverings formerly worn to protect the body in battle
Fate (N): The development of events outside a person’s control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power
Sceptre (N): An ornamented staff carried by rulers on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of sovereignty
Tumble (V): Fall suddenly, clumsily, or headlong
Scythe (N): A tool used for cutting crops such as grass or corn, with a long curved blade at the end of a long pole attached to one or two short handles
Spade (N): A tool with a sharp-edged, typically rectangular, metal blade and a long handle, used for digging or cutting earth, sand, turf, etc.
2nd stanza:
Reap (V): Receive (something, especially something beneficial) as a consequence of one’s own or another’s actions
Laurels (N): Plural form of the word “laurel”, that is, the foliage of the bay tree woven into a wreath or crown and worn on the head as an emblem of victory or mark of honour in classical times
Nerves (N): Plural form of the word “Nerve”, that is, one’s steadiness and courage in a demanding situation
Yield (V): Give way to arguments, demands, or pressure
Stoop (V): Bend one’s head or body forwards and downwards
Captives (N): Plural form of the word “captive”, that is, a person who has been taken prisoner or an animal that has been confined
3rd stanza:
Garlands (N): Plural form of the word “garland”, that is, a wreath of flowers and leaves, worn on the head or hung as a decoration
Wither (V): (Of a plant) become dry and shrivelled
Mighty (Adj): Possessing great and impressive power or strength, especially because of size
Deeds (N): Plural form of the word “deed”, that is, an action that is performed intentionally or consciously
Altar (N): A table or flat-topped block used as the focus for a religious ritual, especially for making sacrifices or offerings to a deity
Just (Adj): Based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair
Stanza-wise Summary of Death the Leveller:
The poem consists of 3 stanzas. Each of these stanzas is again made up of 8 lines. Hence, the entire poem consists of 24 lines in total.
1st stanza:
“The glories of our birth and state
Are shadows, not substantial things;
There is no armour against fate:
Death lays his icy hands on kings;
Sceptre and crown
Must tumble down,
And in the dust be equal made
With the poor crooked scythe and spade.”
In this stanza, the poet says that all the great achievements of people in our families or our communities will not matter in the end. There is nothing anyone can do to avoid the calling of Fate because man is destined to die. Death comes to kings as well as farmers. That is why, where they are buried, the vestments and weapons of the king are not superior in any way to farm implements.
2nd stanza:
“Some men with swords reap the field,
And plant fresh laurels where they kill;
But their strong nerves at last must yield;
They tame but one another still:
Early or late
They stoop to fate,
And must give up their murmuring breath,
When they, pale captives, creep to death.”
In this stanza, the poet says that men with swords often win battles, and get both fame and glory because of that. However, in the end, their courage is nothing in the face of Fate. All warriors are overpowered by death and must surrender in defeat at some point of time. They may put up a fight, but in the end they will lose their vigour and move slowly towards the end of their lives.
3rd stanza:
“The garlands wither on your brow,
Then boast no more your mighty deeds;
Upon death’s purple altar now,
See where the victor victim bleeds:
All heads must come
To the cold tomb,
Only the actions of the just
Smell sweet and blossom in the dust.”
In this stanza, the poet says that no matter what great deeds man does, his prizes and achievements will not last. One who has been a victor will also turn into a victim in their fight with Death. Ultimately, they must sacrifice themselves to this most powerful of deities in his own altar. In the end, they shall be buried under the earth. However, man may die but his actions won’t. If one has been just and fair in one’s life, then one’s actions can never be buried.
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