Unraveling the Mystery: The Last Poem Written by Shakespeare

One of the enduring questions in Shakespearean scholarship revolves around the final poem written by the Bard. Could it have been the haunting epilogue in The Tempest, or perhaps the poetic epitaph on his grave? To answer this question, we must delve into the fragments of evidence and the scholarly interpretations that hover around this enigmatic mystery.

Shakespeare's Exit from the Stage

By the end of his career, William Shakespeare, after his retirement from the theater, may have indeed left behind a final written work, but with no definitive answer, we can only speculate. The Tempest, a play that combines elements of myth, comedy, romance, and tragedy, is often regarded as his final dramatic work. If we assume that The Tempest was indeed Shakespeare's swan song, the epilogue that foreshadows his retirement could very well have been his last poem.

The Epilogue: A Final Act of Poetry

The epilogue of The Tempest offers a poignant and striking conclusion. The lines 'Now my charms are all o’erthrown/And what strength I have’s mine own' suggest a sense of interlaced melancholy and self-reflection. Importantly, these lines hint at a degree of autobiographical insight, an unusual directness for an author known for his finely crafted disguises. While they are not the most poetically evocative in the play, they hold significant weight as a potential farewell from the pen of Shakespeare.

Other Contenders: The Ghostly Lyrics and the Grave Epitaph

Alternatively, the haunting ghostly lyric from Act I, Scene II of The Tempest is a strong contender. The eerie verse 'Full fathom five thy father lies/O’er his bone’s eyes lies removing sea' is a rich and evocative piece of poetry that lingers in the mind long after reading. This poem, with its melancholic tone and eerie imagery, seems like the product of a master poet's pen. It provides an intriguing glimpse into the depths of the Bard's poetic vision.

Another candidate for Shakespeare's final words is the epitaph on his grave. 'Good friend for Jesus sake forebeare/To dig the dust enclosed here' is a deeply melancholic phrase, spoken from beyond the grave. However, scholars often dismiss this as poor verse attributed to a Superannuated actor or Stratford vicar, not the esteemed bard himself.

The Poetic Legacy of Shakespeare

Throughout his career, Shakespeare's poetic works spanned a vast range of emotions and themes, from the romantic sonnets to the haunting lyrics of The Tempest. The consideration of these poems as his final works adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of the Bard's legacy. The epitaph or the epilogue, whichever holds the truth, stands as a testament to a life of creativity and reflection.

Legacy and Reflection

Shakespeare's work continues to captivate readers and scholars alike. The poetry in The Tempest, whether it be the mysterious lyrics or the poignant epilogue, serves as a mirror to the Bard's artistry. It is in these poetic expressions that we find a glimpse into the heart and mind of the man whose words have echoed through the centuries, shaping literature and language.

In conclusion, while the exact final poem by Shakespeare may remain a mystery, the evidence points towards either the epilogue of The Tempest or the haunting ghostly lyrics from Act I. Both stand as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of one of the greatest poets in history.

Key Points

Shakespeare's last poem may have been the epilogue of The Tempest. He also left behind haunting ghostly lyrics from Act I of The Tempest. The epitaph on his grave, while historically significant, is considered poor verse.

Through these poetic remnants, we continue to marvel at the skill and depth of a writer who leaves us with more questions and more to discover in his work.