I have opened my book to page 122 so many times that it now opens itself.

My initial reading of “On Shakespeare.1630,” by John Milton, did not intimidate me with its lengthy appearance of 16 lines. The punctuation in this poem is quite odd and adheres to an idea of fluidity and instability. When I read it aloud, I experienced a sensation similar to that of running down a steep hill – I was barely in control, and if I tried to slow down I would falter.

Milton’s elegy to Shakespeare address an idea that is timeless – immortality.
Yes, Shakespeare died a long time ago, but he is very much alive today through his words. Milton himself, aspired to one day produce a canonical piece similar to the stature of Shakespeare’s work. It is ironic though, he was not made immortal through strong material such as stone or metal, it was fragile paper that has carried his spirit.

The line “Dost thou make us marble” refers to how his audiences would be petrified into stone with wonder. Marble is what monuments and graves are generally made of and, in reference to the idea of Shakespeare having “built thyself a life-long monument”, his lasting monument is the impressions and effect he had wby captivating his audiences.

Shakespeare’s legacy is so great, that we have continued to read and recite his works for over 400 years. Even though he was not rich or royal, we remember and worship his memory and the art that he created when he was alive. In the lines that say,”And so sepulchred in such pomp dost lie/ That kings for such a tomb would wish to die,” is Milton observing how not even the Kings of the past, with all their power, were able to leave a legacy such as his. To live on for hundred of year after one has passed is a desire shared by countless people and artists alike – including, especially, Milton.