Shakespeare
By James McIntyre
Tercentenary ode on Shakespeare read by the author at the anniversary concert, 1864.
Three centuries have passed away
Since that most famous April day,
When the sweet, gentle Will was born,
Whose name the age will e're adorn.
That great Elizabethan age
Does not leave on history's page,
A name so bright he stands like Saul,
A head and shoulders over all.
Delineator of mankind,
Who shows the workings of the mind,
And in review in nature's glass,
Portrays the thoughts of every class.
That man is dull who will not laugh
At the drolleries of Falstaff,
And few that could not shed a tear
At sorrows of poor old King Lear.
Or lament o'er King Duncan's death
Stabbed by the dagger of McBeth,
Or gentle Desdemona pure,
Slain by the misled jealous Moor.
Or great Caesar mighty Roman
Who o'ercame his country's foemen,
His high deeds are all in vain,
For by his countrymen he's slain.
The greatest of heroic tales
Is that of Harry, Prince of Wales,
Who in combat fought so fiercely
With the brave and gallant Percy.
Imagination's grandest theme
The tempest or midsummer's dream,
And Hamlet's philosophic blaze
Of shattered reason's flickering rays.
And now in every land on earth
They commemorate Shakespeare's birth,
And there is met on Avon's banks
Men of all nations and all ranks.
And here upon Canadian Thames
The gentle maids and comely dames
Do meet and each does bring her scroll
Of laurel leaves from Ingersoll.
Poem Analysis:
James McIntyre's poem "Shakespeare" pays homage to the enduring legacy of William Shakespeare, the renowned playwright and poet of the Elizabethan era. In this analysis article, we will explore how McIntyre celebrates Shakespeare's literary contributions, emphasizing his profound impact on literature, culture, and human understanding.
- A Timeless Legacy: McIntyre opens his poem by acknowledging that three centuries have passed since Shakespeare's birth, highlighting the enduring relevance of the Bard's work. This recognition underscores the timelessness of Shakespeare's literary contributions and their continued influence on subsequent generations.
- The Great Elizabethan Age: The poet refers to the "great Elizabethan age," emphasizing that Shakespeare's brilliance stood out even in a period renowned for its literary achievements. McIntyre asserts that Shakespeare's name shines "like Saul, / A head and shoulders over all," reinforcing the idea that Shakespeare's talent and genius eclipsed his contemporaries.
- Masterful Portrayal of Humanity: McIntyre praises Shakespeare's ability to delineate the multifaceted aspects of human nature. He lauds the Bard's capacity to depict the workings of the human mind and to capture the thoughts and emotions of individuals from all walks of life. Shakespeare's characters, McIntyre suggests, offer a comprehensive view of humanity itself.
- Exploring a Range of Emotions: The poet reflects on Shakespeare's works that encompass a wide spectrum of emotions. He commends the humor of Falstaff's drolleries, the pathos of King Lear's sorrows, and the tragedy of characters like Desdemona, King Duncan, and Caesar. McIntyre highlights how Shakespeare's storytelling resonates with audiences by evoking laughter, tears, and empathy.
- Historical and Mythological Significance: McIntyre references Shakespeare's historical and mythological plays, including "Macbeth," "Henry IV" (featuring Prince Hal and Percy), and the tragic downfall of Caesar. These references demonstrate Shakespeare's versatility in tackling a broad range of subjects, from political intrigue to heroism.
- Imaginative and Philosophical Works: The poet celebrates Shakespeare's imaginative and philosophical contributions. He mentions "The Tempest" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as examples of the Bard's grandest themes. Additionally, McIntyre underscores the depth of Shakespeare's characters, such as Hamlet, who grapples with complex philosophical questions.
- A Global Commemoration: McIntyre notes that Shakespeare's birth is commemorated around the world, symbolizing the playwright's universal appeal. The mention of Avon's banks invokes the image of Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace, where people from diverse backgrounds gather to honor his memory.
James McIntyre's poem "Shakespeare" pays tribute to William Shakespeare's enduring significance in the world of literature and culture. By praising Shakespeare's ability to capture the human experience, evoke a wide range of emotions, and explore profound philosophical themes, McIntyre underscores the Bard's unparalleled contributions to the world of letters. McIntyre's words serve as a testament to Shakespeare's enduring legacy and the enduring power of his works to captivate and inspire audiences for centuries to come.