On Shakespeare by John Milton | On Shakespeare. 1630 | On Shakespeare | John Milton | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Critical Appreciation | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
On Shakespeare. 1630
What needs my Shakespeare for his honoured bones,
The labor of an age in pilèd stones,
Or that his hallowed relics should be hid
Under a star-ypointing pyramid?
Dear son of Memory, great heir of fame,
What need’st thou such weak witness of thy name?
Thou in our wonder and astonishment
Hast built thyself a live-long monument.
For whilst to th’ shame of slow-endeavouring 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;
And so sepúlchred in such pomp dost lie,
That kings for such a tomb would wish to die.
line-by-line explanation of the poem
Line 1: What needs my Shakespeare for his honoured bones,
Explanation: Milton is asking what kind of monument Shakespeare needs for his remains. He is using the word “honoured” to emphasize Shakespeare’s greatness and importance.
Line 2: The labor of an age in pilèd stones,
Explanation: Milton is suggesting that Shakespeare does not need an elaborate physical memorial, because his work is his own best monument. He is also using the image of “piled stones” to suggest that physical monuments are temporary and will eventually decay.
Line 3: Or that his hallowed relics should be hid
Explanation: Milton is continuing to argue that Shakespeare does not need a physical memorial. He is using the word “hallowed” to emphasize Shakespeare’s sacredness and importance.
Line 4: Under a star-ypointing pyramid?
Explanation: Milton is using the image of a pyramid to represent a grand and elaborate monument. He is suggesting that Shakespeare does not need such a monument, because his work is more enduring than any physical structure.
Line 5: Dear son of Memory, great heir of fame,
Explanation: Milton is praising Shakespeare’s talent and legacy. He is calling Shakespeare the “son of Memory” because his work will be remembered for generations to come. He is also calling Shakespeare the “great heir of fame” because he has achieved great fame and recognition.
Line 6: What need’st thou such weak witness of thy name?
Explanation: Milton is asking why Shakespeare would need a physical memorial, when his work is so great that it will ensure that his name is remembered forever.
Line 7: Thou in our wonder and astonishment
Explanation: Milton is saying that Shakespeare’s work is so powerful that it amazes and astonishes his readers. He is using the words “wonder” and “astonishment” to convey the sense of awe and amazement that Shakespeare’s work inspires.
Line 8: Hast built thyself a live-long monument.
Explanation: Milton is saying that Shakespeare’s work is his own best monument, because it will ensure that his name is remembered and celebrated for generations to come. He is using the word “live-long” to emphasize the enduring nature of Shakespeare’s work.
Line 9: For whilst to th’ shame of slow-endeavouring art,
Explanation: Milton is criticizing the slow and laborious process of creating physical monuments. He is using the word “shame” to emphasize his disapproval.
Line 10: Thy easy numbers flow, and that each heart
Explanation: Milton is praising the ease and fluency of Shakespeare’s writing. He is using the word “easy” to suggest that Shakespeare’s writing is effortless, even though it is incredibly beautiful and complex.
Line 11: Hath from the leaves of thy unvalued book
Explanation: Milton is praising the value of Shakespeare’s work. He is using the word “unvalued” to emphasize its priceless nature.
Line 12: Those Delphic lines with deep impression took,
Explanation: Milton is comparing Shakespeare’s poetry to the prophecies of the Oracle of Delphi, which were believed to be sacred and prophetic. He is suggesting that Shakespeare’s work has a similar profound impact on its readers.
Line 13: Then thou, our fancy of itself bereaving,
Explanation: Milton is saying that Shakespeare’s poetry is so powerful that it can overwhelm and astound his readers. He is using the word “bereaving” to suggest that Shakespeare’s poetry takes away his readers’ ability to think for themselves.
Line 14: Dost make us marble with too much conceiving;
Explanation: Milton is using a metaphor to describe the way that Shakespeare’s poetry can overwhelm and astound his readers. He is suggesting that Shakespeare’s poetry turns his readers into statues, because they are so captivated by its beauty and complexity.
Line 15: And so sepúlchred in such pomp dost lie,
Explanation: Milton is saying that Shakespeare’s tomb is his own poetry. He is using the word “sepúlchred” to suggest that Shakespeare’s poetry is like a monument that will preserve his legacy for generations to come.
Line 16: That kings for such a tomb would wish to die.
Explanation: Milton is suggesting that Shakespeare’s poetry is so great that even kings would wish to be buried in it. He is using the word “die” to emphasize the enduring nature of Shakespeare’s work.
Word Meaning
| Line | Word | Meaning | अर्थ |
| 1 | honoured | having or receiving respect | सम्मानित |
| 2 | pilèd | arranged in a heap | ढेर लगा हुआ |
| 3 | hallowed | made holy by religious ceremonies | पवित्र किया हुआ |
| 3 | relics | residue | अवशेष |
| 4 | star-ypointing | pointing towards the stars | तारों की ओर इशारा करता हुआ |
| 5 | heir | a person who is legally entitled to receive property or a title from someone who has died | उत्तराधिकारी |
| 5 | fame | popularity | यश |
| 6 | Need’st | Needst (archaic) | जरुरत |
| 6 | thou | you | तुम |
| 6 | witness | evidence | गवाह |
| 6 | thy | your | तेरा |
| 7 | astonishment | amazement | विस्मय |
| 8 | Hast | Have (used with the second person singular subject, like thou) | |
| 8 | thyself | Himself / themselves | स्वयं |
| 8 | live-long | lasting for a whole lifetime | जीवन भर चलने वाला |
| 9 | whilst | while | जबकि |
| 9 | slow-endeavouring | taking a long time to do something | धीमी गति से चलने वाला |
| 10 | easy | not difficult | आसान |
| 10 | numbers | verses or poetic lines | छंद |
| 11 | Hath | Has (used with the third person singular subject (he, she, it)) | |
| 11 | unvalued | not appreciated or respected | बिना मूल्य का |
| 12 | Delphic | relating to Delphi, an ancient Greek city-state that was home to a famous oracle | डेल्फ़िक |
| 13 | fancy | the ability to think creatively and imaginatively | कल्पना |
| 13 | bereaving | taking away something from someone | लूट लेने वाला |
| 14 | Dost | Do (2nd person singular, present tense) | |
| 14 | conceiving | imagine | कल्पना करना |
| 15 | sepúlchred | buried in a tomb | समाधि में लेटा हुआ |
| 15 | pomp | magnificent ceremony or display | धूमधाम |
| 16 | tomb | grave | समाधि |
Summary
In his poem “On Shakespeare. 1630”, John Milton praises Shakespeare’s greatness and argues that his work is his own best monument. Milton begins by asking what kind of monument Shakespeare needs for his remains, and he suggests that Shakespeare does not need an elaborate physical memorial, because his work is his own best monument.
Milton then goes on to praise Shakespeare’s writing, comparing it to the prophecies of the Oracle of Delphi. He suggests that Shakespeare’s poetry is so powerful that it can overwhelm and astound his readers. Milton also criticizes the slow and laborious process of creating physical monuments, and he suggests that Shakespeare does not need such a monument, because his work is more enduring than any physical structure.
In the poem’s final lines, Milton says that Shakespeare’s tomb is his own poetry, and that kings for such a tomb would wish to die. Milton is suggesting that Shakespeare’s poetry is so great that even kings would wish to be buried in it.
Overall, Milton’s poem “On Shakespeare. 1630” is a powerful and eloquent tribute to Shakespeare’s greatness. Milton praises Shakespeare’s talent and legacy, and he argues that his work is his own best monument.
Key Points
Author The poem was written by John Milton, a renowned English poet and intellectual who lived during the 17th century.
Form This 16-line poem is written in a single stanza. The lines are organized into rhyming pairs, known as heroic couplets. A heroic couplet , to be more particular, is a specific type of couplet that primarily focuses on the heroic themes of someone or something. The rhyme scheme of this poem is AABBCCDDEEFFGGHH. Milton also chose to use iambic pentameter, a common metrical pattern that was also favoured by Shakespeare.
Speaker The speaker in the poem is the poet himself, John Milton.
Setting The setting of the poem is not explicitly mentioned, but it revolves around the speaker’s tribute to William Shakespeare.
Theme The main themes of the poem are admiration, tribute, and the enduring legacy of a great artist.
Plot The poem begins with the speaker stating that no monument is needed for Shakespeare as his works serve as his memorial. The speaker then praises Shakespeare’s genius and his ability to capture the essence of human nature in his works.
Tone The tone of the poem is reverential and admiring, reflecting the speaker’s deep respect for Shakespeare.
Message The message of the poem is that the true monument of a great artist is not a physical structure, but their works that continue to inspire and influence generations.
John Milton
Birth and Early Life: John Milton was born in 1608 in London, England. He was the second of three children..
Education: Milton was educated at home by private tutors until he went to Christ’s College, Cambridge, at age 16. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1629, and received his Master of Arts degree in 1632.
Marriage: Milton was married three times. His first wife, Mary Powell, died in 1652, just three years after their marriage. He then married Katherine Woodcock in 1656, who died in 1658. His third wife was Elizabeth Minshull, whom he married in 1663.
Works: Milton’s works are known for their grandeur, stateliness, and majesty. His use of blank verse, unrhymed iambic pentameter, is a testament to his skill as a poet. His most famous works include “Paradise Lost”, “Paradise Regained”, and “Samson Agonistes”.
Career: Milton is best known for his epic poem “Paradise Lost”. He also wrote other significant works like “Paradise Regained” and “Samson Agonistes”. Besides being a poet, Milton was also a civil servant for the Commonwealth of England under Oliver Cromwell.
Death: Milton died on November 8, 1674.
Legacy: Milton’s influence on English literature and language is profound. His epic poem “Paradise Lost” is considered one of the greatest works of literature. He is remembered for his defense of civil and political rights, and his views on divorce and freedom of the press were revolutionary for his time.
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the author of the poem “On Shakespeare. 1630”?
The au thor of the poem is John Milton.
Who is the speaker in the poem?
The speaker in the poem is the poet himself, John Milton.
What is the setting of the poem?
The setting of the poem is not explicitly mentioned, but it revolves around the speaker’s tribute to William Shakespeare.
What are the main themes of the poem?
The main themes of the poem are admiration, tribute, and the enduring legacy of a great artist.
What is the plot of the poem?
The poem begins with the speaker stating that no monument is needed for Shakespeare as his works serve as his memorial.
What is the tone of the poem?
The tone of the poem is reverential and admiring.
What is the style of the poem?
Milton’s style is characterized by grandeur, stateliness, and majesty.
What does Milton say Shakespeare does not need for his remains?
An elaborate physical memorial
What does Milton compare Shakespeare’s poetry to?
The prophecies of the Oracle of Delphi
What does Milton say Shakespeare’s poetry makes us do?
Makes us marble with too much conceiving
What does Milton say Shakespeare’s tomb is?
His own poetry
Why does Milton say kings would wish to die for Shakespeare’s tomb?
Because his poetry is so great
What are some of the poetic devices Milton uses in the poem?
Metaphor, simile, and personification
What does Milton’s poem suggest about Shakespeare’s legacy?
That his work is timeless and will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come
Short Answer Questions
What is the message of the poem?
The message of the poem is that the true monument of a great artist is not a physical structure, but their works that continue to inspire and influence generations.
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
The rhyme scheme of this poem is AABBCCDDEEFFGGHH.
How does the speaker view Shakespeare in the poem?
The speaker views Shakespeare with deep admiration and respect.
What does the speaker say about Shakespeare’s works?
The speaker says that Shakespeare’s works serve as his memorial and will continue to inspire and influence generations.
What does the speaker say about the need for a monument for Shakespeare?
The speaker says that no monument is needed for Shakespeare as his works serve as his memorial.
What does the speaker say about the legacy of a great artist?
The speaker says that the true monument of a great artist is their works that continue to inspire and influence generations.
What does the speaker say about the nature of admiration?
The speaker expresses deep admiration for Shakespeare and his works.
What does the speaker say about the nature of tribute?
The speaker pays tribute to Shakespeare by praising his genius and the enduring influence of his works.
What does the speaker say about the enduring legacy of Shakespeare?
The speaker says that Shakespeare’s legacy will endure through his works that continue to inspire and influence generations.
What does the speaker say about the impact of Shakespeare’s works?
The speaker says that Shakespeare’s works will continue to inspire and influence generations.
What does the speaker say about the influence of a great artist?
The speaker says that a great artist influences generations through their works.
What does the speaker say about the power of art?
The speaker suggests that art has the power to immortalize an artist and continue to inspire and influence generations.
Why does Milton feel it is not necessary to put up a monument in stone for Shakespeare?
Milton believes that Shakespeare’s true monument is not made of stone but resides in the enduring impact of his literary works. The “live-long monument” is the influence he has on succeeding generations, making physical monuments unnecessary.
What does the ‘weak witness of thy name’ refer to?
The “weak witness of thy name” refers to the idea that physical monuments, such as those made of stone, are insufficient and feeble in comparison to the enduring impact and reputation of Shakespeare’s name, which is best witnessed through his literary legacy.
How does Milton describe Shakespeare as the source of inspiration for all succeeding generations of poets?
Milton suggests that Shakespeare, as the “dear son of Memory” and the “great heir of fame,” has built a lasting monument through his literary works. His verses flow easily, leaving a deep impression. He is portrayed as a source of inspiration, and subsequent poets draw inspiration from the profound lines in his unvalued book.
What is the best tribute that posterity has bestowed on Shakespeare?
According to the poem, the best tribute posterity has bestowed upon Shakespeare is the enduring impact of his works on the hearts and minds of readers. The fact that people continue to be inspired by and marvel at his writings is considered a more meaningful tribute than physical monuments.
Essay Type Questions
Q. Write the critical appreciation of the poem?
Introduction
John Milton’s “On Shakespeare. 1630” is a sonnet that praises Shakespeare’s greatness and argues that his work is his own best monument. The poem is full of rich imagery and complex poetic devices, and it offers a unique and insightful perspective on Shakespeare’s legacy.
Theme
The main theme of the poem is the enduring legacy of Shakespeare’s work. Milton suggests that Shakespeare’s poetry is so powerful and beautiful that it will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. He writes:
Thou in our wonder and astonishment
Hast built thyself a live-long monument.
Milton is saying that Shakespeare’s poetry is his own best monument, because it is so enduring and impactful.
Structure and Form
This 16-line poem is written in a single stanza. The lines are organized into rhyming pairs, known as heroic couplets. A heroic couplet , to be more particular, is a specific type of couplet that primarily focuses on the heroic themes of someone or something . Milton also chose to use iambic pentameter, a common metrical pattern that was also favoured by Shakespeare.
The poem’s structure is carefully crafted to support its theme. The first quatrain introduces the question of what kind of monument Shakespeare needs for his remains. The second quatrain suggests that Shakespeare does not need a physical monument, because his work is his own best monument. The third quatrain praises Shakespeare’s writing, comparing it to the prophecies of the Oracle of Delphi. The final couplet concludes by saying that Shakespeare’s tomb is his own poetry, and that kings for such a tomb would wish to die.
Poetic Devices
Milton uses a variety of poetic devices in the poem to create a vivid and memorable image of Shakespeare and his work. Some of the poetic devices he uses include:
Metaphor: Milton uses metaphor to compare Shakespeare’s poetry to the Delphic Oracle and to a tomb. These metaphors suggest that Shakespeare’s poetry is profound, insightful, and enduring.
Simile: Milton uses simile to compare Shakespeare’s poetry to music. This simile suggests that Shakespeare’s poetry is beautiful, harmonious, and moving.
Personification: Milton personifies Shakespeare’s poetry by giving it the ability to build a monument and to take up residence in a tomb. This personification suggests that Shakespeare’s poetry is a living, breathing thing with its own power and agency.
Tone and Style
The tone of the poem is respectful, admiring, and reverential. Milton is clearly in awe of Shakespeare and his work. His style is eloquent, complex, and beautiful. He uses a variety of poetic devices to create a rich and evocative image of Shakespeare and his poetry.
Critical Commentary
Milton’s “On Shakespeare. 1630” is a powerful and eloquent tribute to one of the greatest poets in the English language. The poem is full of rich imagery and complex poetic devices, and it offers a unique and insightful perspective on Shakespeare’s legacy.
One of the things that makes the poem so effective is Milton’s use of metaphor and simile. By comparing Shakespeare’s poetry to the Delphic Oracle and to music, Milton suggests that Shakespeare’s poetry is profound, insightful, and beautiful. He also suggests that Shakespeare’s poetry has the power to move and inspire people.
Another thing that makes the poem so effective is Milton’s use of personification. By giving Shakespeare’s poetry the ability to build a monument and to take up residence in a tomb, Milton suggests that Shakespeare’s poetry is a living, breathing thing with its own power and agency.
Overall, Milton’s “On Shakespeare. 1630” is a masterful poem that praises Shakespeare’s greatness and argues that his work is his own best monument. The poem is full of rich imagery and complex poetic devices, and it offers a unique and insightful perspective on Shakespeare’s legacy.
Conclusion
Milton’s “On Shakespeare. 1630” is a timeless poem that celebrates the greatness of one of the greatest poets in the English language. The poem is full of rich imagery and complex poetic devices, and it offers a unique and insightful perspective on Shakespeare’s legacy. Milton’s poem is a fitting tribute to Shakespeare’s genius, and it continues to inspire and resonate with readers today.
