Commentary: Sonnet 55

Devin Tomson-Moylan
Ms. Peifer
English 10IBH4
23 February 2009

William Shakespeare's Sonnet 55 states that the subject of his poem will be made immortal through the lines of his poetry and that, in turn, his subject and his writing will withstand all the trials the future will bring. Shakespeare uses allusion, as well as more obvious comparison to strengthen the idea that his subject will outlive war and time. Emphasis and personification are both used in order to continue the idea that subject (be it a woman, Shakespeare's poetry, or love itself) will be everlasting.

This sonnet is written as a tribute to Shakespeare's love. This is exemplified through his use of "you" throughout the poem as though he is reading it to someone (Shakespeare 3). Shakespeare begins by commenting on how magnificent his poetry is, stating neither "gilded monuments" or "marble" will outlast his "powerful rhyme" ( Shakespeare 1-2). It is key that Shakespeare places his poetry on such a high platform; he states his subject will "shine more bright" than if it had been placed in stone, simply because of Shakespeare's mention within his lines (Shakespeare 3). The use of "sluttish" as an adjective for time compares time unfavorably to his female subject (Shakespeare 4). Shakespeare makes references to stone and time after speaking of them in the first two lines.

Again Shakespeare alludes to stone "When wasteful war shall statues overturn" (Shakespeare 5). The second two lines of the second stanza are specific to war, and how it shall not destroy the poem. "Living" contrasts with non-living structures described earlier in the poem and begins to personify his poetry as a human (Shakespeare 8). This idea glorifies the poetry, but more importantly instills a living soul within the poem's lines.

The next stanza moves towards the idea of appreciation and preservation of the subject and of the verse itself. "Doom" alludes to judgement day and signifies that his record of his subject will continue to survive and receive praise right up until that very time (Shakespeare 12).
"Even in" makes this idea feel even more permanent (Shakespeare 11).

The concluding couplet not only summarizes the rest of the poem, but implies the subject will be alive and well come judgement day. To "dwell in lover's eyes" gives the impression that the subject could be love itself (Shakespeare 14). Shakespeare appears to think his subject is so lovely that she is indeed a personification of love. Although this idea may seem corny to some, love is an intangible feeling that will always live on. Here, Shakespeare's sonnet assists in the effort towards perpetual love.

The Arizona Heat...In February?

The smoldering heat of Phoenix, Arizona is where I will be in less then three weeks. My soccer team and I will be flying down to Arizona to play in a college showcase soccer tournament. We have been training all winter, three or four times per week, in preparation for our upcoming competitions. The practices can be tough, but my teammates are great companions and it will all be worth it to escape the frigid conditions of our home state, Minnesota. The competition will be high, but I'm confident our team is up to it!
The very same President's Day weekend, is the NBA All-Star Game, which is also being held in Phoenix, Arizona. Who knows, maybe I'll be flying down to my tournament with some Timberwolves players... that's only if they make the team, though. Minnesota isn't doing very well this season, so let's hope at least my soccer team is able to represent our state of ten thousand lakes. Either way, I get to miss school, play soccer, and escape this below-zero weather that we have been having. Also, up next after the trip to Arizona, Richmond, Virginia! Here we are competing in the Jefferson Cup which is ranked second in the nation for recruiting.

Beowulf LRJ#3

Entering what would be his final battle, Beowulf knew he had little control in the outcome. "What occurs on the wall/ between the two of us will turn out as fate,/ overseer of men, decides. I am resolved" (Heany 2525-2527). Fate and God's decision would determine the victor. Beowulf revealed a new side of his character; he threw himself into battle, defending his country, content in knowing he really had no choice in its result. This is a new idea in the story for Beowulf. God and destiny were the values that ultimately conclude Beowulf's epic tale.
The Importance of a legacy became a value only in the final sections. "This treasure here in font of me,/ that have been allowed to leave my people/ so well endowed on the day i die" (Heany 2796-2798). Beowulf was able to defeat the fire-breathing dragon, thus leaving the vast riches of the cave for his people. Even in his death he would still be helping the Danes. This area along the horizon will strengthen his legacy "so that in coming times crews under sail/ will call it Beowulf's Barrow" (Heany 2806-2807). Anyone who has something named after them is obviously important. In Beowulf's case, this land was the one place where he did not triumph.

Its understandable that the final section of Beowulf would have some significant differences. At the end of this section Beowulf is shown in a state of weakness. "The king in his great-heartedness unclasped/ the collar of gold from his neck and gave it/ to the young thane" (2809-2811). Knowing he is defeated, he passes on his necklace to a fellow warrior. Fifty years have passed since he defeated Grendel's mother, so it's not too hard to see that he would struggle against a cave dwelling dragon. However, after all of the heroic, graphic battle scenes it is tough to picture Beowulf the once gloriously candescent Geatland hero as a lifeless corpse.
Instead of Grendel's arm, or the head of his mother, there is a more common trophy in this excerpt. Inside the cave "glittering gold spread across the ground" (Heany 2759), "packed with goblets and vessels from the past,/ tarnished and corroding" (heany 2761-2762). Piles of treasure are a more common prize today versus body parts from the defeated foe. It was also something useful to leave behind for his people.

There was no greater honor than to die in battle; specifically against a dragon, to claim copious amounts of treasure. "Of the dragon there was no/ remaining sign: the sword had dispatched him" (Heany 2771-2772). Beowulf managed to slay his final opponent, but tragically died due to wounds suffered in the action. " I behold this treasure in front of me,/ that i have been allowed to leave my people" (Heany 2896-2897). He left his people with a vast treasure, one no other man could have ventured to take. Beowulf answered the final call of his people with his life.

Beowulf LRJ#1

The Danes valued Heorot as a central meeting hall for every member of the town. Knowing this, "Grendel ruled in defiance of right,/ one against all, until the greatest house/ in the world stood empty, a deserted wallstead" (Heany 144-146). The Danes would drink, tell stories accompanied by music, and even sleep in the mead hall. Grendel knew to attack the center point of their society. With all the Danes routinely enjoying themselves in the mead halls, it spurred Grendel to attack that easy target. How could Beowulf possibly claim glory for all of his epic battles? With a trophy, of course. "Clear proof of this/ could be seen in the hand the hero displayed/ high up near the roof" (Heany 832-834), as Beowulf had mounted the torn arm of Grendel to the wall of the mead hall. This arm acted as a display of Beowulf's dominance. This was important in the Dane society.

Alliteration is used at times when the author was seeking emphasis on certain characteristics or ideas. Grendel is described as "Greedy and grim" (Heaney 122). The feeling that Grendel is vile and dark is brought out. Beowulf sailed on on the boat "as captain,/ a canny pilot along coast and currents" (Heany 208-209). His leadership and sailing abilities are shown with the repetition of the letter "c".

Kennings add variety to words commonly used to describe something. As with the us of "Whale-road" (Heany 10) to describe the sea. This is a more interesting way of describing the sea. "war-gear" (Heany 214) replaces the use of weapons when they are being loaded onto the boat. That description makes them seem more prepared for battle and conflict on their journey. "Bone-lappings" (Haney 817) is used to describe muscles and tendons, leaving a much more graphic image.

Beowulf LRJ#2

Revenge is an important value in the Geat society. Grendel's mother seeks to avenge her son when she attacks the mead hall and takes back her son's arm. He is seeking revenge, because Grendel's mother sought revenge, because Beowulf originally took revenge for the numerous deaths caused by Grendel. This concept is identified as Grendel's mother " had snatched their trophy,/ Grendel's bloodied hand. It was a fresh blow/ to the afflicted bawn. The bargain was hard,/ both parties having to pay/ with the lives of friends" (Heany 1302-1305). The arm represented Triumph over Grendel, and the city folk not risk any more deaths, thus Beowulf was once again impelled to save the day. A trail of vengeance creates the movement in the story of Beowulf.

Beowulf and bravery are one in the same. His heroic style is revered by all the Danes. He revealed his courage when he "swung the blade in an arc" (Heany 1564-1565) struck her in the neck "and severed it entirely, toppling the doomed house of her flesh" (Heany 1567-1568). With the return of Beowulf (with Grendel's mother's head clutched in his hand), Hrothgar acknowledges his bravery, "his courage was proven, his glory was secure" (Heany 1646). Beowulf is the ultimate image of an invincible hero.

Although Beowulf is very entertaining, it is even more unrealistic. Beowulf prepared to enter the lake, removing all but his chain mail and helmet. "He dived into the lake. It was the best part of the day before he could see the solid bottom" (Heany 1496-1497). For this to be possible, Beowulf would have to go without breathing for a ridiculous amount of time; also, the lake would have to be deeper than any other on other in modern existence for him to be swimming for that long.

Any quote that reveals Beowulf's strength and resourcefulness is important to the descriptive detail of the tale. "Hygelac's kinsman kept thinking about/ his name and fame: he never lost heart./ Then, in a fury, he flung his sword away" (Heany 1529-1531). When his sword had failed, he attacked using his bare hands. This acts to corroborate Beowulf's all mighty image.

"The gap of danger where the demon waits/ is still unknown to you. Seek it if you dare" (Heany 1378-1379). The realm that Grendel's mother occupies is feared by the townspeople. An ominous feeling is created in association with the swamp that Beowulf must enter. This adds suspense for the reader.

Antigone LRJ# 2

Lasting images of death and sacrifice are most prominent in the play. "Her own hand struck her to the heart, when she had learned her son's sorely lamented fate"(Sophocles par.322). In dramatic fashion the messenger describes the suicide of Eurydice to Creon at the end of play. Antigone describes that fate of her brothers body, "but leave unwept, unsepulchred, a welcome store for the birds, as they espy him, to feast on at will"(Sophocles par.5). Greek emphasis on death and proper burial are what makes these quotes important in the play. Creon finally takes ultimate responsiblity for the deaths upon his realization that it was all his doing.

Creon is the character who has the most fatal flaw in the play. In the beginning he states that Eteocles shall be given a proper burial, and his brother Polyneices shall not. Anyone who would dare to think otherwise and act against his rule would be sentenced to death. Although Antigone is the one who actually breaks the law by burying Polyneices, she is not the only one who feels it is the virtuous thing to do. Ismene stands up to Creon by agreeing with her sister,"But, now that ills beset thee, I am not ashamed to sail the sea of trouble at thy side"(Sophocles par.114). Prince Haemon wishes for Antigone to live, and will sacrifice himself upon her death. "Then she must die, and in death destroy another"(Sophocles par.167). At this point in the play Creon feels that everyone is still wrong. "Lo, one of these maidens hath newly shown herself foolish, as the other hath been since her life began"(Sophocles par.132). However, when given the prophecy from the blind seer, Teiresias, he becomes uneasy about his prior actions. At first he attempts to deem the prediction as false; the leader of the Chorus helps Creon realize that it is he who has been foolish in not recognizing his actions have be unwise. At that moment he experiences anagnorisis. He is too late to save Antigone, she has already hung herself, and in turn Haemon has stabbed himself alongside his bride. With news of this, Eurydice also kills herself. "I, even I, was thy slayer, wretched that I am-I own the truth"(Sophocles par.323). Creon comprehended that it was he who was responsible for the deaths of the one closest to him. Creon soon gives up, "Oh, let it come, that I may never look upon to-morrow's light"(Sophocles par.327). Emotions are twisted between a feeling of pity for the lonely Creon and fear from the three consecutive deaths and the audience reaches a balanced state of catharsis in the play.

Women of the play are characterized as being very influential and passionate. This can be shown with all three female characters of the play but is best exemplified with Antigone. "If my present deeds are foolish in thy sight, it may be that a foolish judge arraigns my folly"(Sophocles par.85). She remained steadfast to her values and was willing to take any punishment from Creon. She knew her act was righteous. Later in the play, Ismene also came to agree with her sister and wished to share her punishment. Eurydice showed her passion in the final act of the play. "Her own hand struck her to the heart, when she had learned her son's sorely lamented fate"(Sophcles par.322). She acted to kill herself because of her passionate emotions and feelings towards her son. Her final act left Creon entirely alone, thus completing the tragedy.

Works Cited

Sophocles. "Anitgone." The Internet Classics Archive. Trans. R.C. Jebb. 04Oct2000. Classics. mit.edu. 23 Nov.2008 .

Family Stump

Upon the death of Oedipus, the duty of king fell upon his two sons: Eteocles and Polyneices. Eteocles, as the eldest brother, felt he had proper right to the throne. Angered, Polyneices sought revenge by uniting with foreign armies and marching upon our homeland of Thebes. The epic battle led to both brothers killing each other in a duel, further defiling their family history. Rising out of the sorrow of death came Creon to rule over our kingdom. He declared Eteocles ought to have a proper burial, as he had done the honorable thing and died defending his people. He simply planned to leave Polyneices' body to be pecked away by vultures, carrion of the battlefield. Just the day after this bold decree, a thin layer of dirt was discovered upon the body of Polyneices. Such a travesty! Who of Thebes would usurp the proclamation of Creon? A sentry soon stepped forward to enlighten our people. During his vigil, he saw Antigone powder the body with dirt and bless it with wine. Antigone was quick to corroborate the accusation, and admitted to burying her brother. Creon feels he will remain steadfast and send Antigone to a possible death. Antigone, and her groom-to-be, Prince Haimon, know that her actions were true and virtuous. If any more deaths are to occur over this conflict, the besmirched family tree will soon cease to exist.

--Dae'vonaeaseus, Daily Tablet