This document summarizes the life and work of 18th century English poet Thomas Gray. It notes that Gray's poetry shares characteristics of both Neoclassical and Romantic poetry, and discusses his most famous poem, "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard", which laments life's brevity and lost potential through the lens of a man walking through a graveyard.

2. 18th century
Shares characteristics with Neoclassical
and Romantic poetry
Neoclassical (earlier):
Polished expression of ideas
Balanced phrases, sophisticated vocabulary
Romantic (later):
Focus on nature, common man
Expression of heightened feelings

3. 1716-1771
1 of 12 to survive infancy
Sickly child
Lived with mother, aunts
until 30+
Wrote slowly, perfectionist
Few poems written but
considered to be some of
the finest in English
language

4. Written between 1742
and 1750
Gray’s best known
poem
Very popular
Man going on a stroll
through churchyard

5. Elegy = somber poem that laments the dead
Not a true elegy…he is mourning what they
could have been
Themes:
Life is short
Many talented people never
get the opportunities they deserve