Describe the setting and the atmosphere of the poem In Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard Thomas Gray - paints a peaceful yet sad scene The poem takes place in the countryside at dusk where the world slowly fades into night Gray uses simple beautiful images to describe the setting The atmosphere is quiet reflective and full of sorrow SettingRural Countryside The poem begins with the sound of the curfew bell This marks the end of the day The setting is a quiet countryside where the plowman is returning home The lowing of cows and the slowly setting sun tell us it is evening The landscape is calm and peaceful with no signs of hurry Graveyard The setting moves to a graveyard The poet describes old trees like rugged elms and a yew tree s shade under which many people are buried These people are the forefathers of the small