1. The Age of Reason & Enlightenment:
* Emphasis on reason and logic: Gray's poem explores themes of mortality and the limitations of human life. It questions the meaning of existence and the importance of individual achievements in the face of universal death.
* Focus on the individual: The poem celebrates the humble, nameless lives of the villagers buried in the churchyard. It contrasts their quiet existence with the grand ambitions of the powerful.
* Skepticism towards religious dogma: While the poem acknowledges religious faith, it doesn't offer simplistic answers or rely solely on religious explanations for life's mysteries.
2. Early Romanticism:
* Nature as a source of inspiration: Gray's descriptions of the countryside, the setting sun, and the peaceful churchyard create a sense of melancholy beauty.
* The sublime: The poem's emphasis on the vastness and grandeur of nature, contrasted with the smallness of human existence, evokes a sense of awe and wonder.
* Interest in the common man: The poem celebrates the simple lives and virtues of the rural people, showcasing a shift in focus from the privileged elite to the ordinary.
* Sentimentality and emotion: Gray's poem is imbued with a sense of melancholy and contemplation, exploring themes of loss, regret, and the passage of time.
3. Specific historical context:
* The Industrial Revolution: The poem reflects a sense of social change and the loss of traditional rural life as society became increasingly industrialized.
* The rise of the middle class: The poem's focus on the common man suggests a growing awareness of the experiences and values of the emerging middle class.
In conclusion: "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" is a complex poem that reflects the intellectual and social currents of the 18th century. It combines elements of the Age of Reason with emerging Romantic sensibilities, creating a unique and enduring work that continues to resonate with readers today.