In the first line, what connotations do the words curfew, toll, and knell convey? ( MEG 102 ) ( THOMAS GRAY )

The first line of "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" reads: "The curfew tolls the knell of parting day." The words "curfew," "toll," and "knell" all have connotations that convey a sense of finality, sadness, and mourning.

"Curfew" is traditionally a signal for the end of the day and a time to go to bed. The use of this word in the first line of the poem suggests that something is coming to an end, and that there is a sense of finality in the air.

"Toll" refers to the sound of a bell ringing, often to mark a death or other solemn occasion. In the context of the poem, the tolling of the bell suggests that someone has died or that something significant is coming to an end.

"Knell" is a term used to describe the sound of a bell tolling, particularly for a funeral or other solemn occasion. It has a somber, mournful connotation and suggests that something has ended or is about to end.

Taken together, these words set a melancholy tone for the poem and foreshadow the themes of mortality and loss that will be explored in the stanzas that follow.