Poetry · Chapter
Privation explained
A widow, deeply absorbed in her grief while riding behind a hearse, becomes distressed over a perceived forgotten handkerchief, only to be reminded that she is already holding it, revealing a moment of comic distraction amidst mourning.
What happens
A widow, deeply absorbed in her grief while riding behind a hearse, becomes distressed over a perceived forgotten handkerchief, only to be reminded that she is already holding it, revealing a moment of comic distraction amidst mourning.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Self-Deception
The widow's self-absorption and mistaken belief about the handkerchief highlight a form of self-deception in her grief.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator observes and describes the widow's actions and the scene.
Key passages
“With her grief the widow was so engrossed As she rode at the hearse’s rear, That I really think the dead man’s ghost Must have shed the ghost of a tear.”
The widow was so consumed by her sorrow while following the hearse that even the deceased's spirit might have wept in sympathy.
Sets the tone of exaggerated grief and introduces the widow's emotional state.
“Then started and cried, as in pained surprise, “I’ve forgotten my handkerchief!”
Suddenly she exclaimed in distress that she had left her handkerchief behind.
The widow's panic over a trivial object contrasts with the solemnity of the funeral.
““Be calm,” said one; “there is nothing forgot, For your handkerchief you bring— You are holding it—see.” Said the widow: “What! This pokey old linen thing?””
A bystander reassures her that she already has the handkerchief in her hand, but she scoffs at its plain appearance.
Reveals the widow's vanity and the absurdity of her concern.