'Sonnet 81: Or I shall live your epitaph to make' by William Shakespeare


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Or I shall live your epitaph to make,
Or you survive when I in earth am rotten,
From hence your memory death cannot take,
Although in me each part will be forgotten.
Your name from hence immortal life shall have,
Though I, once gone, to all the world must die;
The earth can yield me but a common grave,
When you entombd in men's eyes shall lie.
Your monument shall be my gentle verse,
Which eyes not yet created shall o'er-read,
And tongues to be your being shall rehearse
When all the breathers of this world are dead.
You still shall live—such virtue hath my pen—
Where breath most breathes, even in the mouths of men.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 81: Or I shall live your epitaph to make

William Shakespeare is undoubtedly one of the greatest poets the world has ever seen. His works continue to inspire people centuries after he wrote them. One such masterpiece is Sonnet 81: Or I shall live your epitaph to make.

In this sonnet, Shakespeare talks about the importance of keeping memories alive even after the person is gone. He says that he will live on to ensure that the memory of his beloved will endure for generations to come.

The sonnet is structured in the traditional Shakespearean form, consisting of three quatrains and a final couplet. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This structure is typical of Shakespeare’s sonnets and adds to the beauty of the poem.

The sonnet opens with the line “Or I shall live your epitaph to make.” The word “epitaph” is significant as it refers to a commemorative inscription on a tombstone or monument. Shakespeare is essentially saying that he will ensure that his beloved is remembered long after they are gone.

In the second quatrain, Shakespeare talks about the inevitability of death. He says that even the most beautiful things in life, such as a flower or a person, will eventually die. However, their memories can live on forever, and that is what he aims to achieve.

The third quatrain further emphasizes the importance of memories. Shakespeare says that even though his beloved may die, their memory will live on forever in his heart. He also says that as long as people continue to read his poems, their memory will never fade away.

The final couplet is a pledge by Shakespeare to ensure that his beloved’s memory lives on for eternity. He says that he will continue to write about them, and their memory will be immortalized in his words.

The sonnet is a testament to Shakespeare’s love for his beloved. It showcases his desire to keep their memory alive for generations to come. The sonnet is a beautiful piece of literature that speaks to the human desire to be remembered and to leave a lasting legacy.

The poem can be read in many ways. On one hand, it can be seen as a declaration of love and devotion. On the other hand, it can be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition and the desire for immortality. The ambiguity of the poem is what makes it so captivating and timeless.

The imagery used in the poem is also noteworthy. The metaphor of an “epitaph” is powerful as it conjures up images of a tombstone or monument. The use of the word “live” in the first line is also significant as it implies that the memory of the beloved will be kept alive.

Furthermore, the use of the word “make” in the first line is interesting as it suggests that Shakespeare will actively create the epitaph rather than just writing it down. This highlights his commitment to ensuring that his beloved’s memory lives on.

Overall, Sonnet 81: Or I shall live your epitaph to make is a beautiful and poignant poem that speaks to the human desire for immortality. Shakespeare’s use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem continues to inspire and move people to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 81: Or I shall live your epitaph to make, written by the legendary William Shakespeare, is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. This sonnet is a beautiful tribute to a loved one who has passed away, and it is a testament to the power of love and the enduring nature of memory.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring that if his beloved were to die before him, he would make it his life's work to create an epitaph that would do justice to their memory. The speaker is clearly deeply in love with this person, and the thought of losing them is unbearable. However, the speaker is also determined to ensure that their memory lives on, and that their legacy is preserved for future generations.

The second quatrain of the poem is particularly poignant, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life. The speaker notes that even the most beautiful things in life are temporary, and that everything eventually fades away. However, the speaker is determined to defy this inevitability, and to create something that will endure long after they are gone.

The third quatrain of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker declares that he will use his own life to create the epitaph for his beloved. This is a deeply selfless act, as the speaker is essentially saying that he is willing to sacrifice his own life in order to ensure that his beloved's memory lives on. This is a testament to the power of love, and to the lengths that people will go to in order to honor those they care about.

The final couplet of the poem is a beautiful conclusion to this tribute. The speaker declares that even if he were to die before his beloved, his love would still endure, and that his beloved would live on through his words. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that love is eternal, and that even death cannot extinguish it.

Overall, Sonnet 81: Or I shall live your epitaph to make is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the enduring nature of memory. Shakespeare's words are powerful and moving, and they speak to the deepest parts of the human experience. This sonnet is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest poets of all time, and it is a reminder that even in the face of death, love can endure.

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