Which of the following best describes an elegy?

An elegy is best defined as a poem that expresses sorrow or mourning, often in honor of someone who has died. This literary form typically reflects on the themes of loss, remembrance, and sometimes even the fleeting nature of life. It serves as a tribute to the deceased, allowing the poet to convey emotions surrounding grief and affection, while also celebrating the person's life.

While a type of funeral service, a formal ceremony, and a religious text may be related to dealing with death and remembrance, they do not encapsulate the essence of an elegy, which is inherently a poetic expression focused on mourning. In contrast, the elegy specifically highlights the emotional and artistic representation of loss through verse.