On the Eve of His Execution

One the Eve of His Execution- Chidiock Tichborne (1558-1586)

Summary

Despite being young, the narrator is unhappy. No indication of happiness or joy is present. His life has been filled with hardship and pain. Weeds are growing all over his cornfield. Although he is still alive, he feels like he has passed away. He'll be put to death. He still has a few years left to live and enjoy himself as a young man, but all is destroyed as a result of his execution. He is abandoned and uncared for. Everyone is aware with his story, yet no one has defended him. His life is ended, in his opinion. He has the time to accomplish some other tasks, but he doesn't. He possesses all the necessities for life, yet he is unable to live longer. It's because he was arrested for his plot. He has many dreams as a young man, but his life is coming to an end. He has been totally ruined.

Application of Four Levels

• Literal Comprehension
  • The poet, albeit young, is profoundly depressed. There is only agony and no indication of enjoyment. There are many weeds in his cornfield. He might make wishful thinking about the future in vain. However, even waiting for so long, there is still no sign of any life. Even though he is still alive, he believes that his life is over. His narrative has been widely known, yet no one has defended him. He had plenty of years left to live when he was young, but his execution has diminished everything in life. He is ignored and neglected. Even though he has all he needs for a comfortable life, he will be put to death since death has accompanied him since the moment his mother carried him in her womb.
• Interpretation
  • This poem is an elegy and comprises three stanzas. It exemplifies restrained emotion. It is regarded as the greatest work of literature because it is so masterfully composed, so naturally articulated, and so naturally written. The poem aims to convey the emotions that a guy facing death would be experiencing. It's written in a conversational style. It shows what a person might believe if he knew that death was following him from the womb. It also persuades us that those who break the law are subject to severe punishment. The poet might perhaps be attempting to convey to us the idea that everyone on earth desires to live longer lives. People are quite upset and regret it if they have to pass away while still young. The internal desire of a person is killed by the death penalty and the experience of death. It might be trying to warn us that we must act morally upright and responsibly while we are still young. If we commit bad or illegal acts, we might later feel regrets when facing the death penalty. It demonstrates how distressing it is for a person to be aware of death. Unknown deaths may not have an effect on our psychology, but we experience disappointment and torment when they are known.
• Critical Thinking
  • Chidiock Tichbourne wrote "On The Eve Of His Execution," a poem. It is an incredible piece of literature because of how naturally and skillfully it is presented. Everyone on earth does indeed experience fear when their death is announced. Because of the depression they are experiencing, they are unable to visualize anything innovative. Although the poetry is written naturally, I still come across some contradictory ideas in it. The poet created a plot to assassinate the queen. A crime in and of itself. He should be mentally prepared to carry out the conspiracy or face the death penalty before forming such a plot. Why is he scaring people now with death? Why did he enter into crime if death was unpleasant and terrible? It should be possible for someone to accept the truth. If he is not able to live longer, he can pass away noblely and with dignity. Why is he sobbing uncontrollably?
• Assimilation
  • I became more familiar with the death after reading this poetry. I was aware that everyone loves themselves, and that includes me. If we commit a crime or engage in illegal activity, the consequences will undoubtedly be severe and unpleasant. A person will receive the punishment eventually. It made me think of a country where rape cases resulted in the death penalty. In front of the girl and the monarch, the individual was deeply regretting not doing it again. But no one paid attention to him and executed him. Younger than 23 years old, that person. In life, there are only two options: positive or bad. We will succeed if we decide to follow the right route. But it is apparent that we will pay a price if we choose the wrong course. This poem has motivated me to pursue the truth in order to avoid having regrets before I pass away.

Referance

(Subedi, K.P. and Bhandari, M.B. (2014). Business English. Kathmandu: Highland Publication P. Ltd.)