Read “George Gray” and “Lucinda Matlock” and answer the following questions.
1. What object symbolizes George Gray’s life? How is this object representative of him?
George Gray lived his whole life in fear; therefore, the object that symbolizes his life was a boat located on his grave. George was afraid to live his life to the fullest and consequently, missed out on various opportunities. His life was compared to a boat that was anchored and unable to float on top of the waves of the sea. George was given numerous chances to take a risk and make the most of what he was given, but he decided to hide from love, sorrow, and ambition. He did not want to live his life in dread or depression, so he turned away from possible moments that could make his existence interesting. If he would have lifted his sail in hope to find his destiny, maybe he would have been like a furled ship. However, he left his anchor in the sand and was too afraid to reach out for a life worth living.
2. How was Lucinda Matlock’s life different than George Gray’s? How do you interpret the last line of the poem?
Lucinda Matlock’s life is completely different than George Gray’s. Unlike George, she lived in happiness to fulfill her destiny on earth. Her life wasn’t perfect, but she was determined to look past the negative aspects and celebrate what God had given her. She took a risk by falling in love, marrying her husband, and creating a family to live an even happier life. The last line of her epitaph was a piece of advice to those like George Gray, who were afraid to take a chance. She said that you must be full of spirit and energy to experience the best moments in life. Yes, there will be times that are devastating, but it is up to you to find a reason to live and love the life that you are given.
3. How are “George Gray” and “Lucinda Matlock” examples of realism?
George Gray and Lucinda Matlock are examples of realism because they are both written about ordinary lives of middle class people. Despite the idea that each epitaph is completely different, they both give examples of the hardships of life. Both George and Lucinda tell the audiences that life was meant to take risks and that the best times come from bending the rules. George’s message was to make every moment worth living because you can never get it back. The epitaphs were used to show the drama and scope of average and ordinary people’s lives.
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