Abstract

As a genre, lyric remains difficult to define. Paul Celan perhaps best summarizes its meaning by referring to an encounter that lyric effects. In Sonnet 55, Shakespeare tests the limits of lyric against the most powerful of forces—time—showing that it can withstand its assaults better than stone monuments can preserve the king’s image. Shakespeare takes it one step further, however, hinting at the resurrective power of lyric and at the possibility of lyric’s lasting into eternity. Ultimately, Shakespeare succeeds in giving us an image of lyric as fostering human culture, birthing lovers and civilizations and outlasting both.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call