Summary:
“Requiescat” is a poem of mourning by Oscar Wilde, written in memory of his younger sister, Isola, who passed away at the age of nine. The title, Requiescat, is Latin for “May she rest in peace.” The poem is deeply personal and expresses grief, love, and the pain of loss.
The poem describes a young girl buried beneath the earth, with the speaker mourning her untimely death. Wilde uses soft, sorrowful imagery, such as “quiet dust” and “her hands folded”, to convey a sense of eternal peace. The tone is gentle and melancholic, focusing on the finality of death and the innocence lost.
Through simple yet powerful language, Wilde captures the deep sadness of losing a loved one, while also expressing a wish for her peaceful rest. The poem is a reflection on love, memory, and the inevitability of death.
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| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Requiescat |
| Poet | Oscar Wilde |
| Year Written | 1874 |
| Written for | His sister, Isola |
| Main Themes | Death, mourning, loss, innocence |
| Tone | Mournful, sorrowful, peaceful |
| Literary Style | Elegy |
| Notable Imagery | Quiet dust, folded hands, deep sleep |