 There are two possible ways the poem was composed . The first , Mason 's concept , argues that the Eton copy was the original for the Elegy poem and was complete in itself . Later critics claimed that the original was more complete than the later version ; Roger Lonsdale argued that the early version had a balance that set up the debate , and was clearer than the later version . Lonsdale also argued that the early poem fits classical models , including Virgil 's Georgics and Horace 's Epodes . The early version of the poem was finished , according to Mason , in August 1742 , but there is little evidence to give such a definite date . Mason argued that the poem was in response to West 's death , but there is little to indicate that Mason would have such information . 
