DEATH THE LEVELLER: It is a powerful poem by James Shirely. This poem reminds us that death is a force that haunts all human beings.It appeals to the reader to contemplate over their actions. Death levels everyone. He treats all alike. In the opening lines of the first stanza, the poet reminds us that the glories of war and triumph are offset by death. Both the Kings and peasants are reduced to dust. Thus death serves as a great leveler.
The rhyme scheme is set in the pattern of A-B-A-B-C-C-D-D. This pattern creates a rhythm. It gives more depth to the poem. Figure of speech: Personification: Death is personified here. Icy hand is a metaphor. Sceptre and crown stand for royalty(Metonymy): Victor-victim bleeds – (Oxymoron).Shirely reminds the readers that we are all mortals and we should perform good deeds in our life. I agree with the poet that it is only our good deeds that will remain for ever.
The glories of blood and state……against fate. These are the opening lines of the poem “Death the
Leveller”. The momentary nature of man’s achievement is the theme of the poem. This idea is very
common. There is nothing striking about it. Everybody knows it. But the poet makes it more vivid. There is no weapon to stop death. So we must be humble to accept the reality of life.
Only the actions of the just smell sweet and blossom in the dust:
The main idea in the poem is that glory and pride of men end up in grave. Death is a great leveler. The weak and the strong, the rich and the poor all must surrender to death. Every earthly achievement is short-lived. They are like shadows. People will remember only our good deeds and just actions. They are like flowers. By good smell, the poet means good thoughts.
The rhyme scheme is set in the pattern of A-B-A-B-C-C-D-D. This pattern creates a rhythm. It gives more depth to the poem. Figure of speech: Personification: Death is personified here. Icy hand is a metaphor. Sceptre and crown stand for royalty(Metonymy): Victor-victim bleeds – (Oxymoron).Shirely reminds the readers that we are all mortals and we should perform good deeds in our life. I agree with the poet that it is only our good deeds that will remain for ever.
The glories of blood and state……against fate. These are the opening lines of the poem “Death the
Leveller”. The momentary nature of man’s achievement is the theme of the poem. This idea is very
common. There is nothing striking about it. Everybody knows it. But the poet makes it more vivid. There is no weapon to stop death. So we must be humble to accept the reality of life.
Only the actions of the just smell sweet and blossom in the dust:
The main idea in the poem is that glory and pride of men end up in grave. Death is a great leveler. The weak and the strong, the rich and the poor all must surrender to death. Every earthly achievement is short-lived. They are like shadows. People will remember only our good deeds and just actions. They are like flowers. By good smell, the poet means good thoughts.
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