Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Author's Epitaph, Made by Himself" is a poem written by Walter Raleigh, an English poet, soldier, courtier, and explorer. Raleigh lived from 1552 to 1618 and was known for his achievements as an adventurer, particularly his exploration of South America and his involvement in the colonization of Virginia. He was also a prominent figure in the court of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, and a prolific writer and poet. 

Context:

Raleigh lived during the Elizabethan era, a time of great cultural and literary achievement in England. The Elizabethan age was marked by the flourishing of the arts and the expansion of the English language and literature. Raleigh was a part of this literary movement and was influenced by the works of his contemporaries, such as Edmund Spenser and William Shakespeare. The poem "The Author's Epitaph, Made by Himself" was written during Raleigh's imprisonment in the Tower of London in 1603, where he was awaiting execution for treason.

Content:

"The Author's Epitaph, Made by Himself" is a reflective poem in which the speaker contemplates his life and impending death. The poem is structured in quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The speaker describes his life as a man who lived on the sea, holding Queen's command, and seeking knowledge through books. The speaker also reveals his innermost feelings about his love, which he kept hidden from the world but expressed in his poetry. The poem ends with the speaker accepting his death and leaving behind a legacy through his achievements and his poetry.

Form:

The poem is structured in quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The use of quatrains and a regular rhyme scheme gives the poem a sense of order and balance. The poem's structure mirrors the speaker's reflective and contemplative mood as he contemplates his life and death.

Poetic Elements:

Raleigh uses figurative language, symbolism, and allusion in "The Author's Epitaph, Made by Himself." For example, he uses the metaphor of the sea to represent the speaker's life and the unknown future that lies ahead. The hidden love that the speaker reveals in the poem is also a symbol of the depth of his emotions. Raleigh also alludes to the idea of leaving a legacy through one's achievements and poetry.

Summary:

"The Author's Epitaph, Made by Himself" is a poignant and reflective poem that captures the mood and spirit of its time. The poem reflects Raleigh's own experiences and his contemplation of his impending death. The use of poetic techniques such as figurative language, symbolism, and allusion, adds depth and richness to the poem. Overall, the poem is a testament to Raleigh's literary and cultural significance and his contribution to the Elizabethan era.

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