There been a death opposite the house?

Answer 1

Understanding of the PoemLines 1-4 (1st Stanza)

There's been a death in the opposite house

As lately as today

I know it by the numb look Such houses have always

In lines 1 - 4 the persona observes that there is a certain mood or atmosphere that surrounds a house because death has occurred like shock, gloom and numbness.

• The persona realises that someone has died in the house across the road.

• Quietness and sadness surround the house and people.

Lines 5-8 (2nd Stanza)

The neighbours rustle in and out

The doctor drives away

A window opens like a pod

Abrupt, mechanically

In line 5-8 , the neighbours are seen as paying their respects thus walking in and out of the house. The Doctor Who has confirmed the death leaves the house. The window opens abruptly.

• The neighbours visit the house. The doctor is no longer needed so he leaves.

• Someone flings open the window mechanically.

Lines 9-12 (3rd Stanza)

Somebody flings a mattress out

The children hurry by

They wonder if it died on that

I used to when a boy

In lines 9-12, throwing the mattress out is a custom practised by the community to cleanse the house. The action get rids of germs. The dead person is referred to as 'it' as he is no longer a person.

• A mattress is thrown out of the house.

• The children quickly walk past the house wondering if the deceased died on the flung mattress.

• As a young boy, the persona also used to think similarly.

Lines 13-16 (4th Stanza)

The minister goes stiffly in

As is the house were his

And he owned all the mourners now

And little boys besides

In lines 13-16, the Minister is a dominant figure when death occurred.

• The Minister of the Church assures and takes control of the people and situation.

• Everyone listens to him and follows his order.

• He performs the last rites for the death.

Lines 17-20 (5th Stanza)

And when the milliner and the man

Of the appalling trade

To take the measure of the house

There'll be that dark parade

Lines 17-20 explain the job of the undertaker who is seen as appalling. Nevertheless, his help is very much needed in such a situation.

• The hat-maker arrives to take the measurement for the hat the deceased is supposed to wear.

• Next, the undertaker arrives to get the measurement to build the coffin.

• Then the funeral procession where everyone will wear black attire will take place.

Lines 21-24 (6th Stanza)

Of tassels and of coaches soon,

It's easy as a sign

The intuition of the news

In just a country town

In the last stanza, one can sense that death has occurred by looking at the obvious sign that accompany death. In a small town the news of death spread quickly.

• The tassels (ornaments), the funeral procession which includes coaches (horse and carriage) followed by mourners, are signs that death has occurred.

ThemeDeath is a natural occurrence. Yet, it is a sad event for those who lose a loved one (the people are numb with grief). ToneAlthough the theme of this poem is death, it does not have a sad and mournful tone. The persona tells us of the goings on in a matter-of-fact manner to convey the idea that death is a natural occurrence. The present tense is used to convey the idea that death is an everyday occurrence. Moral Values

a) Accept death in a rational way and by understanding it.

b) Nothing would last forever.

c) The importance of preserving and practicing customs and traditions.

d) The importance of cooperation and feeling of togetherness.

Answer 2

Literally talks about a person who has died