The poem winter by shakespeare

R. Preeti 5/9/2007 Winter The poem, ‘Winter’ is an extract from ‘Love’s Labour Lost’, written by the Bard of England, William Shakespeare. This poem succeeds ‘Spring’, another poem and the two are orated by Don Adriano de Armado, the Spanish swordsman in the play. The poem is in the concluding part of Act V of the drama, and it talks about Winter, in contrast to Spring. Three main points of reflection can be garnered from the poem. Firstly, Shakespeare reflects on what is known as conditional circumstances. Secondly, this poem also hints at the fact that life goes on, no matter what. Thirdly, it also takes a sneak peek at the ideals of socialism.

Firstly, he poem talks about the season of Winter, which is described as harsh, as well as merry. Thus, he hints at conditional circumstances, wherein the perceptions of individuals regarding a situation or occurrence varies. Human beings tend to remain opinionated and thus, their reactions and perceptions of instances vary, in spite of the happenings bringing about the same impact. It is how one sees it, that matters.

Secondly, the poem is a revelation of a rather philosophical undertone, which we can interpret as the unending strife of life, against already written laws. Man, throughout his lifespan strives to rise above what one would perhaps call destiny. In spite of being fatalist, one tends to ignore the natural turn that things take and tries to infuse a spirit of self-perseverance and strife, in order to mould one’s life. This aspect is highlighted in the poem, since life goes on, despite very harsh frosty conditions of Winter.

The last two sentences of the two stanzas of the poem are recurring. It says, ” While greasy Joan doth keel the pot”. Here, the poet presents a socialist outlook; wherein in spite of the extreme conditions of cold, the impoverished have no other go, but to continue with their chores. Season does not affect or alter their way of living nor does it offer a turn-around of living conditions.
Thus, Shakespeare’s ‘Winter’ is a beautiful picturesque poem, placed in the comedy, ‘Love’s Labour Lost’. However, a profounder look could perhaps enable us to understanding the paradoxical qualities of portraying the woes of ” greasy Joan” and the depth it conveys, in the rather humourous poem!

References

Website: http://bu. univ-angers. fr/EXTRANET/AnthonyBURGESS/NL2Symphonic. html
Website: www. bibliomania. com
Website: www. online-literature. com