In The Last Line Of On Shakespeare Exploring Miltons Declaration

Introduction

In John Milton's poem "On Shakespeare," the final line, "That kings for such a tomb would wish to die," is a powerful and evocative statement. To fully understand Milton's meaning, it is essential to delve into the context of the poem, the era in which it was written, and the literary techniques Milton employs. This exploration reveals a profound appreciation for Shakespeare's enduring legacy and the transcendent power of his art, suggesting that the fame and immortality achieved through artistic merit far outweigh the earthly power and grandeur associated with kingship. This article will discuss the rich layers of meaning embedded in this final line, examining the historical, literary, and thematic elements that contribute to its significance. We'll dissect the nuances of Milton's language and explore the broader implications of his declaration about Shakespeare's ultimate triumph over mortality, arguing that Milton's words encapsulate a timeless truth about the enduring nature of artistic achievement. Understanding this line requires considering Milton’s own ambitions as a poet, his views on fame and legacy, and the specific historical and cultural context in which he wrote. This deep dive will shed light on Milton's profound respect for Shakespeare and his understanding of the transformative power of art.

Context of the Poem

"On Shakespeare" is a relatively short poem, a mere 16 lines, written by John Milton as a contribution to the Second Folio edition of Shakespeare's plays in 1632. Understanding the context in which this poem was written is crucial to grasping its meaning. Milton, a young and ambitious poet at the time, was writing in an era deeply influenced by the Renaissance ideals of humanism and the celebration of artistic and intellectual achievement. The poem was commissioned for the Second Folio, a significant publication that aimed to preserve and celebrate Shakespeare's dramatic works. This context alone elevates the importance of Milton's words, as he was contributing to a project designed to solidify Shakespeare's place in literary history. Milton, who himself aspired to literary greatness, recognized Shakespeare's genius and understood the magnitude of his contributions to English literature. The poem is not merely a eulogy; it is a testament to the power of art to transcend time and mortality. Moreover, the political and social climate of 17th-century England played a role in shaping Milton's perspective. The English monarchy was a central figure in the nation’s identity, but so was the burgeoning literary scene. By juxtaposing kings and artists, Milton subtly hints at a hierarchy of achievement, suggesting that artistic immortality is a more desirable and lasting legacy than royal power. This tension between temporal power and artistic influence is a recurring theme in Milton’s works, adding depth to the concluding line of the poem. Milton’s own literary aspirations and his awareness of the historical significance of the Second Folio further illuminate the intensity and intention behind his words, making the final declaration about kings wishing to die for such a tomb all the more resonant.

Analysis of the Final Line

The final line, "That kings for such a tomb would wish to die," encapsulates the poem's central theme: the enduring power of art and the immortality it confers upon the artist. To fully dissect this line, we must consider its various components. The phrase "wish to die" is not a literal desire for death but a figurative expression of longing for the kind of legacy Shakespeare has achieved. Kings, who wield immense power and command vast wealth, are often preoccupied with their legacies. They build monuments, commission portraits, and engage in acts of conquest to ensure their names are remembered. However, Milton suggests that even the most ambitious monarch would recognize the limitations of earthly power when compared to the immortal fame conferred by artistic achievement. The word "tomb" in this context is not merely a physical grave but a metaphor for Shakespeare's collected works—the Second Folio itself—which serve as a lasting monument to his genius. This "tomb" is not a place of decay and oblivion but a living repository of his creative spirit, ensuring his continued presence in the world. Milton's choice of the word "kings" is also significant. Kings represent the pinnacle of earthly power, and by stating that they would envy Shakespeare's fate, Milton elevates the artist to a status higher than even royalty. This comparison underscores the poem's central argument: that artistic achievement is a form of immortality that surpasses temporal power. The line's dramatic impact is heightened by its placement at the end of the poem, leaving the reader with a profound sense of Shakespeare's enduring legacy. It serves as a powerful affirmation of the transformative power of art and its capacity to transcend the limitations of human existence. The sentiment is not merely a compliment to Shakespeare; it is a profound statement about the nature of fame and the value of artistic creation in the face of mortality.

Milton's View on Fame and Legacy

To truly understand the depth of Milton's final line, it is crucial to consider his own views on fame and legacy. Milton, a poet of immense ambition and intellectual prowess, was deeply concerned with his own place in literary history. He aspired to create works that would not only entertain but also inspire and endure. His epic poem, Paradise Lost, stands as a testament to this ambition, aiming to justify the ways of God to men and secure Milton's place among the greatest poets of all time. Milton believed that true fame was not achieved through worldly power or material wealth but through the creation of lasting art. He saw poetry as a divine gift, a means of accessing higher truths and conveying them to future generations. In this context, his praise of Shakespeare is not merely a gesture of respect but an acknowledgment of a kindred spirit, an artist who had achieved the kind of immortality Milton himself craved. The idea of leaving behind a meaningful legacy was central to Milton’s worldview. He saw earthly life as a temporary state, and the true measure of a person's existence lay in the impact they had on the world and the memories they left behind. For Milton, artistic creation was the ultimate means of achieving this lasting impact. Shakespeare's works, in their enduring popularity and profound influence, exemplified this ideal. Milton’s own aspirations are woven into his tribute to Shakespeare. By asserting that kings would envy Shakespeare's "tomb," Milton implicitly elevates the status of the artist above that of temporal rulers. This reflects his belief that true greatness lies not in political power but in the power of creative genius to transcend time and mortality. His words are a testament to his understanding of the enduring nature of artistic achievement and its ability to outlive the ephemeral glories of kings and empires.

Shakespeare's Enduring Influence

Shakespeare's enduring influence on literature, language, and culture is undeniable, and this forms a crucial backdrop to Milton's assertion that kings would "wish to die" for such a legacy. Shakespeare's plays and poems have resonated with audiences for centuries, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. His characters, stories, and language have become archetypes, influencing countless writers, artists, and thinkers. The very fact that Milton was contributing to the Second Folio, a project aimed at preserving and promoting Shakespeare's works, highlights the playwright's already established reputation. Shakespeare's ability to capture the complexities of human nature, his poetic language, and his dramatic genius have ensured his continued relevance and popularity. His works are studied in schools and universities around the world, performed on stages in countless languages, and adapted into films, operas, and other art forms. This widespread and enduring influence is a testament to the power of his art and its capacity to speak to audiences across time and space. Milton recognized this extraordinary impact and understood that Shakespeare's legacy was not merely a matter of literary fame but a form of cultural immortality. The idea that kings, figures of immense power and historical significance, would envy this legacy underscores the unparalleled nature of Shakespeare's achievement. It suggests that true greatness lies not in temporal power but in the ability to touch the hearts and minds of generations to come. Shakespeare's words continue to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, making his "tomb" a living monument to the transformative power of art. The universality and timelessness of his themes, coupled with his masterful use of language, have cemented his position as one of the greatest writers in the English language, a legacy that Milton clearly recognized and celebrated.

The Power of Art vs. Temporal Power

One of the central themes of Milton's poem is the contrast between the power of art and temporal power, a dichotomy that illuminates the meaning of the final line. Kings, with their armies, wealth, and political authority, represent the epitome of temporal power. Their reigns are marked by conquests, laws, and monuments intended to immortalize their names. However, Milton suggests that this form of power is ultimately limited and transient. Kingdoms rise and fall, monuments crumble, and the memory of even the most powerful rulers fades with time. In contrast, art possesses a unique capacity to transcend the limitations of mortality. Shakespeare's plays and poems, by virtue of their beauty, insight, and emotional resonance, continue to move and inspire audiences centuries after their creation. They offer a form of immortality that earthly power cannot match. Milton's assertion that kings would "wish to die" for such a tomb is a powerful statement about the relative value of these two forms of power. It suggests that the enduring fame conferred by artistic achievement is far more desirable than the fleeting glory of earthly rule. The "tomb" Milton refers to is not a physical grave but the body of Shakespeare's work, a living testament to his creative genius. This "tomb" ensures Shakespeare's continued presence in the world, his ideas and characters forever shaping our understanding of ourselves and the human condition. Milton, who himself aspired to literary greatness, understood the unique power of art to defy time and mortality. His poem is not merely a tribute to Shakespeare but a reflection on the nature of fame and the enduring legacy that artists can create. By juxtaposing kings and artists, Milton elevates the status of the artist, suggesting that true greatness lies not in political power but in the ability to touch the hearts and minds of generations to come. This idea resonates throughout Milton's work and is a key to understanding the profound significance of the poem's final line.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the final line of Milton's "On Shakespeare," "That kings for such a tomb would wish to die," is a profound and multifaceted statement that encapsulates the poem's central themes. It speaks to the enduring power of art, the limitations of temporal power, and the immortality conferred by creative genius. Milton's words are not merely a compliment to Shakespeare but a reflection on the nature of fame and the legacy that artists leave behind. The line's impact is heightened by its placement at the end of the poem, leaving the reader with a powerful sense of Shakespeare's enduring influence and the transformative potential of art. By understanding the historical context, Milton's own aspirations, and the significance of Shakespeare's work, we can fully appreciate the depth and resonance of this concluding declaration. The "tomb" that kings would envy is not a physical grave but the body of Shakespeare's work, a living monument that continues to inspire and captivate audiences centuries after its creation. Milton's poem serves as a timeless reminder of the unique power of art to transcend mortality and the enduring legacy that artists can achieve. The contrast between temporal power and artistic influence is a recurring theme in Milton's work, and this final line encapsulates his belief that true greatness lies not in political might but in the ability to touch the hearts and minds of future generations. Milton’s tribute to Shakespeare is, in essence, a testament to the enduring human quest for immortality through artistic expression, a quest that resonates as powerfully today as it did in the 17th century. The line's enduring power lies in its ability to capture the essence of Shakespeare's genius and the transformative potential of art itself, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of literary appreciation and analysis.