XXXVIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Loss

  Lorenzo's plea from the grave underscores the enduring bond and sorrow of separation.

• Mortality and the Sublime

  The description of the tomb and natural decay evokes the sublime nature of death.

Characters to notice

• Lorenzo

  Speaks from the tomb, describing his burial site and pleading for Isabel's tear.

• Isabel

  Addressed by Lorenzo; she is asked to shed a tear for him.

Key passages

• “Isabel, my sweet Red whortleberries droop above my head, And a large flint-stone weighs upon my feet; Around me beeches and high chestnuts shed Their leaves and prickly nuts; a sheepfold bleat Comes from beyond the river to my bed: Go, shed one tear upon my heather-bloom, And it shall comfort me within the tomb.”

  Isabel, my love, red whortleberries hang over my head, a heavy flint stone presses on my feet; beeches and chestnuts drop leaves and nuts around me, and I hear sheep bleating from across the river. Please come and weep on the heather where I lie, and that will bring me comfort in my grave.

  Lorenzo's ghostly message to Isabel, describing his burial and asking for her tear.