What Is an Elegy? Definition, Examples & How It Differs from a Eulogy

Looking for a way to express grief through poetry? An elegy might be precisely what you need. Whether honoring a loved one or grappling with deep sorrow, elegies have long been a timeless literary tradition.

There’s no single right way to express yourself after a loss. Some people turn to poetry, while others find comfort in writing a eulogy, crafting an obituary, composing music, or creating art. These expressions — whether spoken, written, or sung — can be powerful ways to honor someone’s memory and make sense of your own emotions. Finding the medium that feels most natural to you is what matters most. If poetry speaks to you, an elegy offers a profoundly moving and timeless way to give voice to your grief.

What Is an Elegy? 

An elegy is a type of poem that reflects on death, loss, or sorrow. Its roots trace back to ancient Greek funeral poetry, and it remains a staple in literature and memorials today.

While some elegies are personal tributes, others mourn larger themes, such as war or the loss of innocence. You’ll often find elegies that:

• Reflect on personal grief
• Praise the deceased
• Contemplate life, death, and legacy

What Types of Elegies Are There?

There are two main types of elegies:

1. Personal Elegy

A personal elegy:

• Focuses on a specific person who has died
• Example: “O Captain! My Captain!” by Walt Whitman for Abraham Lincoln

2. Impersonal Elegy

An impersonal elegy:

• Mourns a broader loss, like a tragedy, a cultural shift, or collective grief
• Example: “Death Fugue” by Paul Celan, an elegy about the Holocaust

When Are Elegies Used?

Elegies are common in:

• Funeral readings: Especially in religious or literary ceremonies
• Books & essays: As an epigraph or reflective quote
• Music & lyrics: Many modern songs echo elegiac themes
• Gravestones: Some include lines from well-known elegies

Famous Elegies You Might Know

Each of these elegies demonstrates how grief, remembrance, and even complex emotions can be beautifully expressed in verse:

• “O Captain! My Captain!” – Walt Whitman
• “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” – Emily Dickinson
• “Funeral Blues” – W.H. Auden
• “A Refusal to Mourn…” – Dylan Thomas
• “Daddy” – Sylvia Plath

Elegy vs. Eulogy: What's the Difference?

These two words are often confused, but they serve very different purposes:

• Elegy: A poem that expresses sorrow or mourning. Elegies often reflect on loss, grief, or mortality.
• Eulogy: A formal speech or written tribute, usually read at a funeral, that honors someone who has passed away.

Elegies are read (usually poetic), while eulogies are spoken (typically prose). Both offer powerful ways to remember a loved one, but only an elegy allows for poetic depth and reflection.

How to Write an Elegy: 3 Quick Tips

You don’t need to be a poet to write a meaningful elegy. Start here:

1. Journal First

Write freely about what you’re feeling — grief, anger, confusion, love.

2. Choose Your Style

Classical elegies follow structure (like ABAB rhyme or iambic pentameter), but free verse is equally valid.

3. Focus on Three Themes

Most elegies touch on:

• Lament: Expressing sorrow
• Grief: Reflecting on the loss
• Praise: Honoring the life lived

Why Elegies Still Matter

In a world that often rushes past grief, elegies invite us to pause and reflect. They help us process emotions, preserve memory, and honor the complexity of life and death.

Another way to preserve a memory is through thoughtful bereavement or memorial gifts—personal touches like cremation jewelry, tribute videos, or engraved items that honor a life well-lived. If you find comfort in poetry or other meaningful rituals, you may also want to make your funeral arrangements to ensure these reflections are part of your farewell. Whether through words, music, or memorial gestures, your story deserves to be remembered in a way that feels true to you.

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