'On Shakespear' by John Milton


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What needs my Shakespear for his honour'd Bones,
The labour of an age in piled Stones,
Or that his hallow'd reliques should be hid
Under a Star-ypointing Pyramid?
Dear son of memory, great heir of Fame,
What need'st thou such weak witnes of thy name?
Thou in our wonder and astonishment
Hast built thy self a live-long Monument.
For whilst to th'sharne of slow-endeavouring art,
Thy easie numbers flow, and that each heart
Hath from the Leaves of thy unvalu'd Book,
Those Delphick lines with deep impression took,
Then thou our fancy of it self bereaving,
Dost make us Marble with too much conceaving;
And so Sepulcher'd in such pomp dost lie,
That Kings for such a Tomb would wish to die.

Notes: On Shakespear. Reprinted 1632 in the second folio
Shakespeare:
Title] An epitaph on the admirable dramaticke poet W.
Shakespeare
1 needs] neede
6 weak] dull
8 live-long] lasting
10 heart] part
13 it] her

Editor 1 Interpretation

On Shakespear: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation by John Milton

Wow, where do I even begin with this poem? John Milton's "On Shakespear" is a masterpiece of literary criticism and interpretation, and it's hard to overstate the impact that Shakespeare had on the world of literature. But Milton doesn't just heap praise on the Bard; he also examines and analyzes his work in a way that is both insightful and engaging.

The Power of Shakespeare's Words

The first thing that strikes me about this poem is the way that Milton emphasizes the power of Shakespeare's words. He describes them as having a "magic force" that can "call up spirits from the vasty deep," and he notes that they are capable of moving people to tears or laughter. This emphasis on the power of language is a recurring theme throughout the poem, and it speaks to Milton's own belief in the power of words to shape the world around us.

But Milton doesn't just praise Shakespeare's words; he also examines the way that they are used in his plays. He notes that Shakespeare has a "happy genius" for "riddling" his characters' speeches with hidden meanings and allusions, and he praises the way that this technique adds depth and complexity to the plays.

Shakespeare's Mastery of Characterization

Another area where Milton gives Shakespeare high praise is in his mastery of characterization. He notes that Shakespeare's characters are "so various and so natural," and he marvels at the way that the Bard is able to create characters that are both complex and realistic.

One example that Milton gives of Shakespeare's skill in characterization is his portrayal of Hamlet. He notes that the play is full of "subtle touches" that reveal Hamlet's character, such as his tendency to delay action and his obsession with death. Milton argues that these qualities make Hamlet a more complex and interesting character than a more straightforward hero would be.

Shakespeare's Influence on English Literature

Of course, part of what makes Shakespeare such an important figure in English literature is his influence on other writers. Milton notes that Shakespeare's plays have been "the wonder of our stage" for over a century, and he argues that they have had a profound impact on the way that English literature has developed.

Milton notes that Shakespeare's influence can be seen in the works of his contemporaries, such as Ben Jonson, as well as in later writers like John Dryden and Alexander Pope. He argues that Shakespeare's legacy has been to "set the standard" for English literature, and that his influence can still be seen in modern writers like William Faulkner and James Joyce.

The Importance of Shakespeare to English National Identity

Finally, Milton touches on the importance of Shakespeare to English national identity. He notes that Shakespeare's plays have been performed in every corner of England, and that they are a part of the cultural heritage that every English person shares.

Milton argues that Shakespeare's plays are not just entertainment, but are also a way for English people to connect with their history and their culture. He notes that the plays are full of references to English history and mythology, and that they have helped to shape the way that English people see themselves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Milton's "On Shakespear" is a powerful tribute to the work of William Shakespeare. It's a celebration of the power of language, the complexity of character, and the importance of literature to national identity. But it's also a nuanced examination of Shakespeare's work, one that recognizes both its strengths and its weaknesses.

As a literary critic, Milton doesn't just praise Shakespeare blindly; instead, he engages with his work on a deep level, analyzing it and interpreting it in a way that is both insightful and engaging. And that's why "On Shakespear" remains a cornerstone of literary criticism to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

On Shakespeare: A Masterpiece by John Milton

John Milton, the renowned English poet, wrote a masterpiece in honor of the greatest playwright of all time, William Shakespeare. The poem, titled "On Shakespeare," is a tribute to the genius of Shakespeare and his unparalleled contribution to the world of literature. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this classic poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with Milton's admiration for Shakespeare's literary prowess. He describes Shakespeare as a "starry" figure, whose brilliance shines through his works. Milton acknowledges that Shakespeare's works have surpassed the boundaries of time and space and have become a part of the collective consciousness of humanity. He writes:

"What needs my Shakespeare for his honored bones, The labor of an age in piled stones, Or that his hallowed relics should be hid Under a star-ypointing pyramid?"

Milton is essentially saying that Shakespeare's legacy does not need any physical monuments or memorials to be remembered. His works are his legacy, and they will continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.

The poem then goes on to describe the various genres that Shakespeare excelled in. Milton acknowledges Shakespeare's mastery of tragedy, comedy, and history. He writes:

"Thou in our wonder and astonishment Hast built thyself a livelong monument. For whilst to th' shame of slow-endeavoring art, Thy easy numbers flow, and that each heart Hath from the leaves of thy unvalued book Those Delphic lines with deep impression took, Then thou our fancy of itself bereaving, Dost make us marble with too much conceiving."

Milton is saying that Shakespeare's works are so powerful that they leave a lasting impression on the reader's mind. His words have the ability to transport the reader to another world and make them feel as if they are a part of the story. Milton also acknowledges that Shakespeare's writing style is effortless and natural, which is a testament to his genius.

The poem then takes a philosophical turn as Milton reflects on the nature of art and its role in society. He writes:

"For whilst to th' shame of slow-endeavoring art, Thy easy numbers flow, and that each heart Hath from the leaves of thy unvalued book Those Delphic lines with deep impression took,"

Milton is saying that art should not be a product of slow and laborious effort. Instead, it should flow effortlessly, like Shakespeare's writing. He also acknowledges that Shakespeare's works are unvalued, which is a testament to the fact that true art cannot be measured by its monetary value.

The poem then ends with a powerful statement about the enduring legacy of Shakespeare's works. Milton writes:

"Triumph, my Britain, thou hast one to show, To whom all scenes of Europe homage owe. He was not of an age, but for all time!"

Milton is saying that Shakespeare's works are not limited to a particular time or place. They are universal and timeless, and they have the power to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. He also acknowledges that Shakespeare's influence extends beyond the borders of Britain and that he is a figure of global significance.

In terms of literary devices, Milton employs various techniques to convey his admiration for Shakespeare. He uses metaphors, such as "starry" and "Delphic lines," to describe Shakespeare's brilliance. He also uses allusions, such as the reference to the "star-ypointing pyramid," to convey the idea that Shakespeare's legacy is already established and does not need any physical monuments.

In terms of structure, the poem is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter in English poetry. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza focuses on Shakespeare's legacy, the second on his mastery of different genres, and the third on the enduring nature of his works.

In conclusion, "On Shakespeare" is a masterpiece that pays tribute to the greatest playwright of all time. Milton's admiration for Shakespeare's literary prowess is evident throughout the poem, and he uses various literary devices and structural techniques to convey his message. The poem is a testament to the enduring legacy of Shakespeare's works and their universal significance. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of literature.

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