Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments
(Sonnet 55) by
William Shakespeare
This sonnet is one of Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets, published in 1609, and addressed to a “Fair Youth” or a “Young Man” 1. The sonnet claims that the poet’s verses will preserve the youth’s memory and love beyond the decay of war, time, and material things until the Last Judgement 1. The sonnet is a confident and defiant statement about the power of poetry and love over death 1. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 55 is part of what is referred to as the Fair Youth sequence 1. It is an English or Shakespearean sonnet that contains three quatrains followed by a final rhyming couplet
Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments
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Not marble, nor the gilded monuments
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Of princes, shall outlive this powerful rhyme;
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But you shall shine more bright in these contents
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Than unswept stone, besmeared with sluttish time.
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When wasteful war shall statues overturn
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And broils root out the work of masonry,
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Nor Mars his sword, nor war’s quick fire, shall burn
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The living record of your memory:
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’Gainst death, and all oblivious enmity,
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Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find room
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Even in the eyes of all posterity
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That wear this world out to the ending doom.
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So, till the judgement that yourself arise,
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You live in this, and dwell in lovers’ eyes.
Not marble, nor the gilded monuments Explanation
"Sonnet 55," also known as "Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments," by William Shakespeare, explores themes of immortality through poetry and the enduring power of the written word. Here is a breakdown of the sonnet:
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Not marble, nor the gilded monuments
Neither marble statues nor gold-plated monuments... -
Of princes, shall outlive this powerful rhyme;
...erected by princes will last longer than this powerful poem. -
But you shall shine more bright in these contents
But you, the subject of the poem, will shine more brilliantly within these lines... -
Than unswept stone, besmeared with sluttish time.
...than neglected stone, defiled by the passage of time. -
When wasteful war shall statues overturn
When destructive wars topple statues... -
And broils root out the work of masonry,
...and conflicts destroy masonry work, -
Nor Mars his sword, nor war’s quick fire, shall burn
Neither the sword of Mars (the god of war) nor the swift flames of war shall destroy... -
The living record of your memory:
...the living record of your memory. -
’Gainst death, and all oblivious enmity,
Against death and all forces that bring forgetfulness, -
Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find room
You shall stride forward; your praise will still find a place... -
Even in the eyes of all posterity
...even in the eyes of future generations... -
That wear this world out to the ending doom.
...who live until the world's end. -
So, till the judgement that yourself arise,
So, until the day of judgment when you are resurrected, -
You live in this, and dwell in lovers’ eyes.
You live in this poem and in the eyes of lovers.
WORD MEANINGS:
1. Monuments (noun): a structure or building created to commemorate a person, event, or achievement.
2. Gilded (adjective): covered with a thin layer of gold or another precious metal.
3. Powerful (adjective): strong, capable, or influential in a particular way.
4. Rhyme (noun): a type of poem or verse in which the same sound is repeated at the end of each line.
5. Unswept (adjective): not having been swept or cleaned.
6. Sluttish (adjective): relating to a person who is untidy or careless in their appearance or behaviour.
7. Wasteful (adjective): characterized by or involving the wasteful use of resources.
8. Broils (verb): to be involved in a heated argument or dispute.
9. Masonry (noun): the art or practice of building with stone, brick, or other hard materials.
10. Mars (noun): the Roman god of war.
11. Quick fire (noun): rapid fire; gunfire.
12. Burn (verb): to be damaged, destroyed, or consumed by fire.
13. Record (noun): a written or spoken account of events.
14. Memory (noun): the ability to remember information, experiences, and people.
15. Enmity (noun): strong hatred or ill will.
16. Pace (verb): to walk with steady steps in a measured way.
17. Praise (verb): to express admiration or approval of someone or something.
18. Posterity (noun): future generations.
19. Wear out (verb): to use something until it is no longer useful.
20. Doom (noun): a final, usually disastrous fate or outcome.
Analytical Summary
Theme of Immortality through Poetry:
Shakespeare opens the sonnet by claiming that neither marble statues nor gilded monuments, which are often erected in honor of princes and notable figures, will outlast the poem itself ("this powerful rhyme"). This introduces the central theme: the superior immortality provided by poetry compared to physical objects. The poem itself is presented as a vessel that will preserve the memory of its subject far more effectively than any statue or monument, which can be eroded or destroyed over time.
Contrast with Time and War:
In the second quatrain, Shakespeare highlights the destructive power of time and war. He personifies time as "sluttish," suggesting it is careless and defiling, capable of besmearing and ruining even the grandest monuments. Furthermore, he points out that war ("wasteful war") can overturn statues and uproot masonry, emphasizing the vulnerability of physical memorials to human conflict and natural decay. However, the poem asserts that neither the sword of Mars (the god of war) nor the destructive fires of war can obliterate the "living record" of the subject’s memory that is enshrined in the poem.
Endurance Against Oblivion:
The sonnet continues to emphasize that the memory of the subject will endure against "death, and all oblivious enmity." The use of "oblivious enmity" suggests forces that would cause one to be forgotten, but the poem assures that the subject will "pace forth" against these forces. This implies a dynamic, almost defiant, persistence of the subject's memory through time.
Legacy and Posterity:
Shakespeare extends the promise of immortality to future generations ("posterity") who will continue to recognize and praise the subject of the poem. He envisions a time when the world itself is worn out, yet the memory preserved in the poem remains. This enduring legacy is assured until the "ending doom," which alludes to the Day of Judgment, suggesting an almost eternal preservation.
Final Couplet and Human Connection:
The concluding couplet reinforces the promise of immortality. Until the final judgment, when the subject is resurrected, they will "live in this" poem and "dwell in lovers’ eyes." This dual immortality – both in the written word and in the hearts and minds of readers – highlights the emotional and human connection that poetry fosters. By being read and cherished by lovers, the subject's memory is continually revitalized and kept alive.
Imagery and Language:
Shakespeare's imagery vividly contrasts the decaying effects of time and the violence of war with the purity and durability of poetic memory. The "unswept stone" and "sluttish time" evoke neglect and degradation, while the "living record" conveys vitality and endurance. The language underscores the poem's central argument that poetry transcends the physical limitations of time and conflict.
Structure:
The sonnet adheres to the Shakespearean form, comprising three quatrains and a final rhymed couplet. This structure allows the poet to build a logical argument, presenting evidence of the destructibility of physical monuments before concluding with the triumphant, enduring power of poetry.
In summary, "Sonnet 55" asserts that poetry has the unparalleled ability to preserve the memory of its subject far beyond the lifespan of any physical monument. Through the vivid contrast of the ephemeral nature of stone and the enduring nature of the written word, Shakespeare celebrates the timeless and immortalizing power of his own craft.
Shakespeare's Sonnet 55: Immortality Through Verse
Introduction: "Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments" (Sonnet 55) by William Shakespeare stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry. This classic sonnet explores themes of memory, legacy, and the eternal nature of the written word, juxtaposing it against the transient nature of physical monuments.
Summary: In this sonnet, Shakespeare declares that neither marble statues nor gilded monuments erected by princes can outlast the powerful verses of his poem. He vividly describes how time and war erode and destroy these physical memorials, yet confidently asserts that the memory of the poem's subject will live on through the written word. The sonnet promises a form of immortality, ensuring that the subject's legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of future generations until the end of time.
Themes:
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Immortality Through Poetry: Shakespeare argues that poetry has a unique ability to preserve memory beyond the lifespan of physical structures.
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Transience of Physical Monuments: The sonnet contrasts the fleeting nature of marble and gold monuments, susceptible to time and war, with the lasting nature of poetry.
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Endurance Against Time and Conflict: The poem emphasizes that despite the ravages of time and the destructiveness of war, the written word endures.
Imagery and Language: Shakespeare uses powerful imagery to depict the decay of physical monuments ("unswept stone, besmeared with sluttish time") and the destructive force of war. In contrast, the "living record" of the poem represents vitality and permanence. The language underscores the sonnet's central message: the superiority of poetry in preserving memory.
Structure: The sonnet follows the traditional Shakespearean form with three quatrains and a final rhymed couplet. This structure allows the poet to build his argument systematically, culminating in a powerful conclusion that affirms the lasting power of his verse.
Conclusion: "Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments" is a profound reflection on the power of poetry to transcend the physical limitations of time and decay. Shakespeare's sonnet remains a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of the written word, celebrating its ability to immortalize and preserve the essence of its subject for posterity.
Explore Further: Delve deeper into Shakespeare's exploration of memory and legacy by reading the full text of Sonnet 55. Reflect on the timeless nature of poetry and its capacity to immortalize, a theme that resonates as strongly today as it did in Shakespeare's time.
QUESTIONS:
1. What objects are said to outlive the powerful rhyme in the poem?
2. What will make the poem's contents brighter than upswept stone?
3. What will not be able to destroy the living record of memory?
4. What will happen to statues in the poem?
5. What will root out the work of masonry?
6. What weapon is mentioned in the poem?
7. What will happen to the poem's praise?
8. What will be the judgement that the poem's subject will arise?
9. What will be the fate of the world in the poem?
10. What kind of eyes will the poem's praise find room in?
11. What will be the poem's subject's dwelling place?
12. What will be the poem's subject's pace?
13. What kind of time is the unswept stone besmeared with?
14. What will not be able to burn the living record of memory?
15. What are the objects mentioned in the poem that will outlive the powerful rhyme?
16. What will happen to Mars' sword in the poem?
17. What will happen to war's quick fire in the poem?
18. What will be the poem's subject's dwelling place in the eyes of posterity?
19. What will be the poem's subject's dwelling place in the eyes of lovers?
20. What is the poem's main theme?
21. "The Sonnets can be interpreted as a drama. They have action and heroes. There are three
characters: a man, a youth and a woman. The fourth character, the antagonist, is time, the
greedy time." Share your opinion on the basis of Sonnet no 55, "Not Marble, Nor the Gilded
Monuments."
ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS:
1. Not marble, nor the gilded monuments of princes, shall outlive this powerful rhyme.
2. Than unswept stone, besmeared with sluttish time.
3. Nor Mars his sword, nor war’s quick fire, shall burn the living record of your memory.
4. Wasteful war shall statues overturn.
5. Broils will root out the work of masonry.
6. Mars' sword is mentioned in the poem.
7. The poem's praise shall still find room even in the eyes of all posterity.
8. The judgement that the poem's subject will arise.
9. The world will wear out to the ending doom.
10. The eyes of all posterity.
11. The poem's subject's dwelling place will be in the eyes of lovers.
12. The poem's subject's pace will be forth.
13. Sluttish time.
14. Neither Mars his sword nor war's quick fire.
15. Not marble, nor the gilded monuments of princes.
16. Mars' sword will not be able to destroy the living record of memory.
17. War's quick fire will not be able to burn the living record of memory.
18. The poem's subject's dwelling place in the eyes of posterity will be their praise.
19. The poem's subject's dwelling place in the eyes of lovers will be their eyes.
20. The main theme of the poem is that the poem's subject will outlive their powerful rhyme and be remembered by posterity.
21. In the context of Sonnet 55, the woman character is not directly addressed or mentioned. However, if we consider the larger narrative of Shakespeare's sonnets, the woman, often referred to as the "Dark Lady," plays a significant role. While Sonnet 55 primarily focuses on the themes of immortality through verse and the battle against time, we can still explore the potential inclusion of the woman character in this overarching drama.
Characters in Sonnet 55
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The Poet (Man): The speaker of the poem, who vows to immortalize the subject's memory through verse.
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The Beloved (Youth): The subject of the sonnet, whose memory and virtues are celebrated.
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The Woman (Dark Lady): Although not explicitly mentioned in this sonnet, she is a significant figure in the larger collection of Shakespeare's sonnets.
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Time (Antagonist): Represented as a destructive force, eroding physical monuments and challenging the permanence of human achievements.
Analysis in the Context of Drama
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Action and Conflict:
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The sonnet portrays a struggle between the poet’s verse and the ravages of time. The poet asserts that his "powerful rhyme" will outlast "marble" and "gilded monuments," which are vulnerable to time's decay.
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The sonnet becomes a battleground where poetry and time clash. While time can destroy physical structures and memories, the poet's words will endure, preserving the beloved's memory.
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Heroic Struggle:
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The poet assumes a heroic role, battling the inevitable decay brought by time. His weapon is his poetry, which he believes will immortalize the beloved's virtues.
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The beloved, though passive, is central to this drama. The poet's mission is to ensure that the beloved’s memory outlives all physical monuments.
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The Woman's Role:
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In the larger context of the sonnets, the woman, or the Dark Lady, represents another dimension of love and memory. Her presence complicates the relationships and emotions explored in the sonnets.
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Though not mentioned in Sonnet 55, her influence can be felt in the poet's reflections on love, beauty, and time. The poet's interactions with her add depth to his understanding of immortality and memory.
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Antagonist - Time:
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Time is depicted as a "sluttish" force, carelessly defacing and destroying human achievements. In this sonnet, time's destructiveness is juxtaposed with the permanence of poetic memory.
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The sonnet's portrayal of time as an antagonist emphasizes the relentless and indifferent nature of time, which spares nothing from decay.
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Eternal Memory:
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The poet’s confidence in the enduring nature of his verse suggests a victory over time. Unlike physical monuments, which are subject to war and decay, the "living record" of poetry will preserve the beloved’s memory.
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The sonnet ends with the assurance that the beloved will "live in this, and dwell in lovers' eyes," highlighting the triumph of poetic immortality over temporal decay.
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Conclusion
In Sonnet 55, Shakespeare masterfully uses the framework of a drama to convey the eternal struggle between human endeavours and the inexorable force of time. Through the characters of the poet, the beloved, the woman (in the larger context), and time, the sonnet explores themes of memory, legacy, and the enduring power of art. The poet emerges as a hero, wielding his verse against the antagonist of time, ensuring that the beloved's memory shines bright for posterity. The woman, though not directly mentioned in this sonnet, remains an integral part of the larger narrative, influencing the poet's reflections on love and immortality.