Poetry · Chapter
Memorial Day explained
The chapter reflects on the end of Memorial Day ceremonies, noting the silence after the speeches and the eternal peace of the heroes, despite the pomp and titles of the living.
What happens
The chapter reflects on the end of Memorial Day ceremonies, noting the silence after the speeches and the eternal peace of the heroes, despite the pomp and titles of the living.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The poem satirizes the self-important titles and orations of politicians and officials, contrasting their noise with the silent, eternal peace of the dead.
Mortality and Regret
The final line emphasizes the enduring peace of the 'grand old heroes' who sleep in death, untouched by the fleeting ceremonies of the living.
Characters to notice
- Barnes
Mentioned among the hereditary candidates whose speeches have ended.
- Charles Shortridge
Referenced as 'Shortridge' among the speakers whose orations have ceased.
- Salomon
Listed as 'Salomon-in-all-his-glory' among the orators now silent.
Key passages
“The bands have played, the singers finished singing, The flags done flapping and the bells done ringing.”
The musical performances and flag-waving of the Memorial Day ceremony have concluded.
Sets the scene of the celebration ending.
“Hereditary candidates have spoken; Their tongues are silent and their hearts are broken—”
The politicians and office-seekers have finished their speeches, now quiet and perhaps disappointed.
Satirizes the self-importance of the speakers.
“And still in spite of all the din infernal Of every 'General' and 'Judge' and 'Colonel,' Our grand old heroes sleep in peace eternal!”
Despite the noisy chaos of all the titled officials, the honored dead rest forever undisturbed.
Contrasts the living's pomp with the dead's tranquility.