While the theme of the Renaissance did not have a significant impact on the creative arts in the mid-16th century in England, it would be false to conclude the same about literature. The principles of free will, personal value, and—most importantly—humankind’s supremacy over nature served as the foundation for the growth of renaissance humanism in written art. The renowned English poet, William Shakespeare, was greatly involved in this ideology. Shakespeare was regarded as the poet of nature, emphasizing the uniqueness and magnificence of humanity in all of his poems. His sonnets give prominence to human-divine essence and desire for admiration, making the great poet’s ideals the portrayal of renaissance humanism’s central themes. This paper comprises of an analysis of Sonnet 55, alongside its critical themes such as human insecurity, medieval supremacy, divine essence, desire for admiration, and their interpretations.
Sonnet 55, deviates significantly from Shakespeare’s previous sonnets in that it shows human insecurity about both their self-worth and relationships. The poet expresses an intense surge of assurance with his willingness to preserve his friend’s memory forever: “Nor Mars his sword nor war’s quick fire shall burn. The living record of your memory” (Shakespeare 7-8). The sonnet is centered around time and immortality as it asserts how the poet’s beloved will endure till the end of time. This aspect conforms to a central theme of humanity offering genuine affection to one another and resonates with many of Shakespeare’s poems. The section that follows illustrates the extent to which the persona loves the subject as expressed through different metaphors.
Shakespeare further states that his lovely mistress would live on in his memories even in the most catastrophic battles: “When wasteful war shall statues overturn. And broils root out the work of masonry” (Shakespeare 5–6). The sonnet further emphasizes that humans are superior to nature: “Gainst death and all-oblivious enmity / Shall you pace forth” (Shakespeare 9–10). The poet implies that his adoration for the girl is greater than any force that can destroy, rule, or cause death. He further argues the human race in its entirety is superior to all the revered figures of authority as discussed below.
Some thematic sentiments described in Sonnet 18 feature in Sonnet 55 as well, however, in 55, the repudiation of medieval supremacy is more overtly voiced. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 55 opens with the poet asserting the the magnificence of his beloved: “Not marble nor the gilded monuments. Of princes shall outlive this powerful rhyme” (Shakespeare 1–2). By expressing this idea, the poet implies that human worth is greater than traditionally revered figures of authority such as religious leaders, kings, and anarchies. The concept of free will can be used to refer to the choice presented to each individual to decide how much the outside world can influence them. Shakespeare, therefore, portrays himself as a proponent of the ideology that each person is the master of their fate using this line.
Besides being a creative and well-known poet, Shakespeare was a strong proponent of the ideas of immortality and renaissance humanism as well. His sonnets give prominence to human-divine essence and desire for admiration, making the great poet’s ideals the portrayal of renaissance humanism’s central themes. Additionally, his sonnets, particularly Sonnets 15 and 18, are rich sources of ideas like free will, humankind’s supremacy over nature, love of praise, and disdain for medieval authority. Conclusively, the sonnet is centered around time and immortality as it asserts how the poet’s beloved will endure till the end of time. Shakespeare clearly expresses an intense surge of assurance as he asserts his ability to preserve his friend’s memory forever. Through his command of the language, diction, and comparisons as potent tools, the poet expresses his perspective on the position of humanity in the universe.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. “Sonnet 55: Not marble nor the gilded monuments.” Poetry Foundation, 1970. Web.