Elegy: Key Quotes

Representation of Death

“you’re dead.” - This direct and candid revelation underscores the unavoidability of death and its finality.
“you took your own life” - Explicit revelation of suicide, which brings in the idea of personal choice and tragedy, affecting our understanding of the subject’s character and circumstances.

Expression of Grief

“You fell from the sky. We fell from the earth.” - Metaphoric expression of the speaker’s sorrow, depicting the drastic disruptive impact of loss on the remaining ones.
“I can’t forgive you. You’ve left me in limbo” – Direct expression of the speaker’s anger and loss, demonstrating the unresolved grief and emotional turmoil left in the wake of suicide.

Ideas of Haunting and Nostalgia

“Your ghost swims in the air of the bedroom” - The speaker feels constantly reminded of their loss, using imagery of a haunting presence to express their ongoing trauma and fixation on the past.
“I think of the language we spoke then as dead” - Symbolic of the end of their shared life, the past times, and the mutual memories, connecting death and language to emphasise the emotive significance of the loss.

Concept of Regret and Loss

“I could have loved you better, couldn’t you?” - The speaker’s introspective remark suggesting regret and guilt, hinting at the complexities of their relationship and reflection on what could have been done differently.
“What’s left is bone and a little skin; the grin of mortality.” - A stark description of the physical reality of death, highlighting the inevitability of mortality and the fragility of life.

Final Reflections and Acceptance

“Your death’s a paper door” - An intriguing metaphor suggesting the thin veil separating life and death, and that one can pass through easily, hinting at possible acceptance and understanding of the death.
“You’re an ‘I do’ lost at the ‘I do’ - The repeated phrase can signify a broken vow or commitment, perhaps alluding to the personal tragedy that was so powerful, it broke even the most solemn of promises.

This piece of poetry is both intimate and moving, offering a raw window into the speaker’s grief and struggle to come to terms with their loss. Carol Ann Duffy uses bold and direct language, coupled with intricate metaphors, producing an intense exploration of death, loss, and love.