Can storied urn, or animated bust Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath? Can Honour's voice provoke the silent dust, Or Flatt'ry soothe the dull cold ear of Death?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Can statues or flattery bring the dead back to life or change their fate?
- In plain terms
- Nothing can bring the dead back or make death softer.
- What can you take from it?
- Death is final; no monument changes it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does a statue honor the dead?
- What truly outlasts death?
Another view
It undervalues the comfort monuments provide survivors.
More from Thomas Gray
Where through the long-drawn aisle and fretted vault The pealing anthem swells the note of praise.
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