Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

James Shirley was an English playwright and poet who lived in the 17th century. "Death the Leveller, fr. The Contention of Ajax and Ulysses" is a poem that was published in 1659.

Context:

The 17th century was a time of great social and political change in England, with the English Civil War and the Restoration of the monarchy. The literary scene was dominated by the metaphysical poets and the Cavalier poets. The poem reflects the influence of the courtly love tradition on Shirley's poetry.

Content:

The poem is a reflection on the transience of life and the power of death to level all human distinctions of rank and status. The speaker acknowledges the fleeting nature of human life, noting that all earthly glory is ultimately transitory. The poem goes on to describe death as a great equalizer that overcomes all human distinctions of rank, status, and power. The speaker notes that death comes for all, whether they are kings or beggars, and that no one can escape its power.

The poem also contains a message of hope, suggesting that although death is a powerful force, it is not the end of all things. The speaker suggests that although our earthly lives are finite, there is a sense in which we can transcend death through our works and our legacy. The final lines of the poem suggest that death, far from being an end, is simply a transition to a new life beyond the reach of mortal concerns.

Form:

The poem consists of 16 lines of irregular meter and rhyme. It is written in a formal, elevated style, with a focus on the theme of mortality and the power of death to overcome all human distinctions. The poem's structure is carefully crafted to build to a climax, with the final lines expressing the speaker's sense of the power of death to overcome all human distinctions.

Poetic Elements:

The poem makes use of metaphor and symbolism to convey the theme of mortality and the power of death, including the image of death as a "mighty victor," and the idea of death as a "leveler." Shirley also uses allusion to classical mythology, including references to the heroes Ajax and Ulysses. The poem also features a number of poetic devices, including imagery, figurative language, and rhetorical questions.

Summary:

The poem is a reflection on the theme of mortality, and a reminder that death is the great equalizer that levels all distinctions of rank and status. It is notable for its use of metaphor and allusion, as well as its focus on the theme of mortality. The poem is a reflection of Shirley's interest in the courtly love tradition and his exploration of the themes of mortality and the transience of life. Overall, the poem is a well-crafted meditation on the power of death, and a reminder of the importance of living life to the fullest while we have the chance.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...