What does the term “Graveyard School” refer to in literature?

The term "Graveyard School" refers to a group of 18th-century poets and writers who focused on themes of melancholy, death, and the contemplation of mortality. This literary movement arose from the fascination with the macabre and the mysteries surrounding death, often reflecting the emotional and philosophical struggle with loss and the human condition. The poets associated with this movement, such as Edward Young and Thomas Gray, used vivid imagery and somber tones to explore these existential themes, often set in graveyard settings or through the lens of nature as it relates to death. The emphasis on melancholy and the inescapable reality of death is central to their works, making this answer the most accurate representation of the "Graveyard School" in literature.