Sonnet 55: Not Marble nor the Gilded Monuments

Not marble, nor the gilded monuments of princes
Shall outlive this powerful rhyme.
But you shall shine more bright in these contents
Than unswept stone besmeared with sloughing time.
When wasteful war shall statues overturn,
And broils root out the work of masonry,
Nor Mars his sword nor war’s quick fire shall burn
The living record of your memory.
Gainst death and all oblivious enmity
Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find room
Even in the eyes of all posterity
That wear this world out to the ending doom.
So, till the judgment that myself arise,
You live in this, and dwell in lover’s eyes.

Summary of Sonnet 55: Not Marble nor the Gilded Monuments

Understanding the Poem’s Popularity: William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 55, first published in 1609, celebrates the enduring power of poetry. Unlike many of his other sonnets, this one focuses on how verse can grant a beloved an immortality that surpasses even grand monuments.
Sonnet 55 as an Ode to Lasting Legacy: The poem champions the idea that while kings and empires crumble, art—specifically the poet’s verse—remains eternal. The speaker confidently declares that the beauty and essence of the beloved will endure far longer than any stone statue or monument, contrasting the temporary nature of physical tributes with the permanence of words. The poem suggests that true remembrance lies in heartfelt expression rather than grand displays.
Central Themes of Love and Immortality: At its core, Sonnet 55 explores the endurance of love and the battle against mortality. The speaker asserts his ability to preserve the beloved’s memory through verse, arguing that all worldly things will eventually lose their luster, but the beloved’s glory will remain untouched. The poem posits that art, especially the written word, possesses a unique power to defy decay and ensure lasting remembrance.

Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Sonnet 55”

Literary devices are the tools writers use to craft meaning and evoke emotion. They add depth and texture to writing, enabling readers to engage with the text on a deeper level. Shakespeare skillfully employs a range of these devices in Sonnet 55 to enhance its themes and impact.

Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within close proximity. Consider the line, “You live in this, and dwell in lover’s eyes.” The repeated ‘i’ sound creates a musicality that reinforces the sense of enduring love.
Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds. Notice in “But you shall shine more bright in these contents” the repetition of the ‘sh’ sound, drawing attention to the brilliance the beloved will possess.
Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause. This technique is prevalent throughout the sonnet. For example:

Not marble, nor the gilded monuments of princes
Shall outlive this powerful rhyme.
But you shall shine more bright in these contents
Than unswept stone besmeared with sloughing time.

The flow from one line to the next mirrors the enduring nature of the poem’s message.
Imagery: The use of vivid language to create sensory experiences for the reader. Phrases like “unswept stone besmeared with sloughing time” and “Nor Mars his sword nor war’s quick fire” paint a clear picture of decay and destruction, highlighting the fragility of physical monuments.
Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects. The lines “When wasteful war shall statues overturn” and “And broils root out the work of masonry” attribute human actions—wastefulness and rooting—to war and conflict, emphasizing their destructive power.

Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Sonnet 55”

Beyond literary devices, certain techniques are specifically used in poetry to enhance its structure and meaning. Shakespeare masterfully employs these in Sonnet 55 to create a harmonious and impactful piece.

Couplet: A pair of rhyming lines, often used at the end of a sonnet to deliver a concluding statement. The final couplet – “So, till the judgment that myself arise, / You live in this, and dwell in lover’s eyes” – powerfully summarizes the poem’s central idea: the beloved will live on eternally through the poet’s verse.
End Rhyme: Rhyme that occurs at the end of lines of poetry. Sonnet 55 follows a strict rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG), creating a musical effect and reinforcing the poem’s structure. Examples include “rhyme/time” and “room/doom”.
Iambic Pentameter: A rhythmic pattern in poetry consisting of five iambs per line. An example from the sonnet is “So till the judgment that myself arise”. This rhythm creates a natural, flowing cadence that enhances the poem’s readability.
Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a poem or verse. Sonnet 55 adheres to the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
Sonnet: A fourteen-line poem, traditionally written in iambic pentameter. Sonnet 55 perfectly embodies this form, adhering to its structural and rhythmic conventions. The poem’s organization into three quatrains followed by a concluding couplet allows for a nuanced exploration of the central theme.

Quotes to be Used

These lines are particularly resonant and can be effectively used when commemorating individuals or celebrating lasting legacies.

Nor Mars his sword nor war’s quick fire shall burn
The living record of your memory.