Thomas Carlyle

Every day that is born into the world comes like a burst of music and rings the whole day through, and you make of it a dance, a dirge, or a life march, as you will.

Scottish Philosopher

William Collins

By fairy hands their knell is rung; By forms unseen their dirge is sung.

English Poet

A 'dirge' is typically associated with funerals or somber ceremonies signaling mourning and respect.

Funeral Context

'Dirges' may vary culturally, but they universally express sorrow and are slow and somber.

Cultural Variance

Metaphorically, 'dirge' can describe any piece that evokes a deep sense of sadness.

Metaphorical Use

In a figurative sense, a 'dirge' can describe a feeling, atmosphere, or situation filled with sadness.

Expressive Imagery

A 'dirge' can set a somber mood in literature, not just describing music.

Figurative Mood

In non-literal use, no music is present; 'dirge' symbolizes pervasive sorrow.

No Actual Music

 So I held on and I closed my eyes to listen, to wait. And the prayers got louder. And the shouts of response to the call of the prayer went up higher even still. And the organ rolled on in to add the dirge. And the heat came on to add to the sweat.