Describe the procession of mourners in “Adonais”.
Introduction
“Adonais” is a pastoral elegy that Shelley (1792-1822) wrote on the death of his contemporary poet John Keats. Shelley chose to write this lament for his friend’s death in the form of a pastoral elegy. In the poem, all nature joins in mourning with the mourners at the death of Keats.
The procession of mourners in Adonais
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Description
In the poem, “Adonais” Urania is first in the procession, as she is surrounded by sorrow and grief. She is afraid of her lonely life because of the death of her dearest son. She passed as a gloomy autumnal night. She assaults Tory reviewers and laments that she is undying that is why she cannot join with Keats. The human mourners, Byron, Thomas Moore, Shelley himself, and Leigh Hunt follow Urania. Byron is awfully moved by the death of Keats which has a huge impact on his poetry. For this reason, the characteristic passionate energy and vehemence of his poetry are suppressed by the dulling effect of grief in his heart. He mourns by singing a pathetic song. Moore of Ireland sings of the wrings done to Urania. Shelley seems to be completely broken in spirit. Leigh Hunt is in deep sorrow because of the death of Keats.
Conclusion
So, we can say that “Adonais” is a pastoral elegy that illustrates the procession of the mourners. And in the poem nature is also used as a means of consolation for the human being in their loss.
