Thy Days Are Done

Summary

In the first stanza of the poem ‘Thy Days are Done,’ the poet Lord Byron refers to the glorious
posthumous (delayed) recognition a war hero will receive. It is meant to showcase the accolades
(Rewards) given to a soldier which honour his innate (essential) greatness. The poet says that the
moment a soldier meets his death, his fame begins. His name and his triumphs will be recorded
in the list of the great men of his country. The soldier will be adored as a ‘chosen Son.’ This can
be a Biblical reference- the soldier being compared to God’s son Jesus which shows how sacred
the position of a soldier is in the hearts of his natives. The poet says that the soldier is worthy of
this praise and recognition for he has vanquished (defeated) the enemies with his sword, for “the
fields he won/ The freedom he restored.”

In the second stanza, the poet encourages the soldier to fight for his nation by telling him about
the metaphorical deathlessness and continuity of his soul. The poet claims that although the
soldier will cease to be physically when attacked in the battlefield, an act which ensures the
safety of the entire nation, he will not “taste of death” because the passion in his blood will run
through the veins of his countrymen and his spirit will be captured in their breath.

In the third stanza, the poet envisions (images) how the name and the glory of the soldier will
live long. The poet imagines the soldier’s name will give inspiration to future soldiers as they
march along in the battlefield. His name will be used as a battle cry for the charge it carries. The
poet also pictures that the glory in his death will be celebrated through choral songs. The poet
whole-heartedly believes that even though he has sacrificed himself in the bid to save his
country, we should not weep for him as that would be disrespecting him. In the poet’s opinion,
the soldier being a war hero, is by no means a pitiable figure. Rather his valour should be
celebrated in all its glory.

SLIME Analysis

Structure: This is a lyric poem. It has an ABABAB rhyme scheme which gives it a rhythmic
and songlike quality.
Language: The poem makes use of numerous archaic words such as ‘thy’, ‘thou,’ ‘shalt’ etc.
which are characteristic of the era it was written in (19th century) and contribute to the solemnity
of the subject matter.
Imagery: 1) Metaphor: “Within our veins its currents be”- the flow of blood in the veins is
compared to waves or water currents
2) Alliteration: ‘Thy days are done’; ‘The slaughter of his sword’; ‘virgin voices’; ‘To
weep would do thy glory wrong’ etc.
3) Personification/ word play: ‘generous blood’
Meaning: (What is this poem about?)
This poem is about a soldier who sacrificed himself in war and for his nation. He won many
lands and restored freedom in his country. The poem says that the people will not forget him and
he will always remain an idol for his people. Even though he has sacrificed himself, we should
not cry for the soldier as that would be disrespectful towards him. Instead, we should remember
and pay respect to him through choral songs and use his name as a battle cry.
Effect: (Tone and mood)
The poem maintains a tone of admiration towards a valiant soldier. The mood of the poem is
serious and passionate.