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William Shakespeare's Sonnet 73 and the ballad "Twa Corbies" both delve into profound contemplations of the impact of time on human existence. These works, though distinct in form and narrative, share a common theme – the transient nature of life and the urgency to seize its fleeting moments. In this essay, we will explore the nuances of both pieces, analyzing their structures, metaphors, and underlying philosophical reflections on temporality.
Sonnet 73 stands as one of Shakespeare's poignant reflections on aging and the inexorable passage of time.
Structured as a Shakespearean sonnet, the poem comprises fourteen lines with an ABAB rhyming scheme. The linear progression across three quatrains and a concluding rhyming couplet allows the poet to articulate his anxieties about the transience of life.
In the first quatrain, Shakespeare employs vivid imagery, likening himself to the transition from autumn to winter. The metaphor of 'yellow leaves, or none, or few' conveys a sense of waiting for the inevitable, mirroring the poet's own journey toward the conclusion of his life's metaphorical autumn.
The second quatrain extends the metaphor, placing the poet in 'the twilight of such day,' symbolizing the encroaching darkness of mortality.
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Proficient in: Rhetoric
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“ She followed all my directions. It was really easy to contact her and respond very fast as well. ”
The impending extinction of life is likened to the onset of 'black night,' a metaphorical representation of death. However, this apparent preoccupation with physical decay serves as a prelude to the third quatrain's revelation.
Here, Shakespeare discloses that the impending demise is not centered on physical death but on the death of youth, passion, and the foundational elements of human connection.
The poet's plea to 'love that well which thou must leave ere long' underscores the urgency to appreciate the ephemeral nature of youth and passion.
The ballad "Twa Corbies" takes a different narrative approach but converges on a similar theme – the insignificance of human life in the grand tapestry of nature. The poem unfolds through a conversation between two crows discussing their feast on a recently deceased knight. The direct speech given to the crows and the unchanging rhyme and rhythm contribute to the overall theme of nature surpassing and outlasting human existence.
The crows' disdainful tone towards the knight in life underscores the societal insignificance that death bestows upon him. However, in death, the knight is elevated to a position of reverence, becoming a meal for the crows. This ironic twist emphasizes the poem's central theme – in the face of nature, social status and individual significance become inconsequential.
Similar to Sonnet 73, "Twa Corbies" invites contemplation on the brevity of life. The poem's portrayal of nature's indifference and the elevation of the knight in death echoes the overarching message – life is brief, and its societal trappings hold little weight in the eternal scheme of nature.
Both Sonnet 73 and "Twa Corbies" converge on a shared message: life's brevity renders trivial concerns insignificant. The juxtaposition of human existence against the backdrop of nature underscores the fleeting nature of life. Shakespeare urges an appreciation of youth and passion, imploring the friend to seize the moment before it dissipates. Similarly, "Twa Corbies" underscores the transience of social standing, emphasizing the inevitability of mortality.
In conclusion, these works serve as poignant reflections on the brevity of life, urging individuals to embrace each day with a sense of urgency. Whether contemplating the inexorable march of time in Shakespeare's sonnet or the indifferent cycle of nature in "Twa Corbies," the overarching theme encourages a profound appreciation for life's transient moments and a recognition that, in the grand tapestry of existence, every human life is but a brief, ephemeral thread.
Temporal Reflections: Shakespeare's Sonnet 73 and Twa Corbies. (2020, Jun 02). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/william-shakespeares-sonnet-73-3622-new-essay
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