Definition
Charles Wolfe (1791 – 1823) was an Irish poet and Anglican clergyman, best known for his poem “The Burial of Sir John Moore after Corunna.”
Overview
Born on 14 June 1791 in County Carlow, Ireland, Wolfe entered Trinity College Dublin in 1809, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1813 and later a Master of Arts. He was ordained in the Church of Ireland and served as a curate in County Wexford. Although his literary output was relatively modest, his poetry gained posthumous recognition, particularly the aforementioned elegy for the British General Sir John Moore, which was widely reprinted in periodicals and anthologies throughout the 19th century. Wolfe died on 21 November 1823 at the age of 32, and his works were collected and published posthumously in 1825 by his friend and fellow clergyman, the Rev. John Hewitt.
Etymology/Origin
- Charles: Derived from the Germanic name “Karl,” meaning “free man.”
- Wolfe: An English surname originating from the Old English “wulf,” meaning “wolf,” often used as a nickname for a person with perceived wolf-like characteristics or as a patronymic.
Characteristics
- Literary Style: Wolfe’s poetry reflects the Romantic sensibilities of the early 19th century, with emphasis on emotion, nature, and heroism.
- Themes: His most celebrated poem explores mourning, the tragedy of war, and the dignity of the fallen, while other works touch on Irish landscape, religious reflection, and personal loss.
- Publication: Apart from the posthumous collection “Poems by the Late Charles Wolfe” (1825), his verses appeared in contemporary journals such as The Dublin University Magazine and the Irish Magazine.
- Influence: The elegy for Sir John Moore was later set to music and cited by later poets and historians as a quintessential example of early Romantic war poetry.
Related Topics
- Irish Romantic poetry
- Sir John Moore (1761–1809) and the Battle of Corunna
- Trinity College Dublin alumni
- 19th‑century Anglican clergy in Ireland
- Early 19th‑century literary journals (e.g., The Dublin University Magazine)
All information presented is based on documented historical records and scholarly publications concerning Charles Wolfe.