Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Elegy of Fortinbras" is a poem by Zbigniew Herbert, first published in 1961. The poem is a response to William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" and explores the theme of power and the consequences of political ambition.

Explanation:

The poem is a dramatic monologue spoken by Fortinbras, the Norwegian prince who becomes king of Denmark after the events of "Hamlet". Fortinbras reflects on the death of Hamlet and the tragic consequences of political ambition. He mourns the loss of life and the senseless violence that results from the pursuit of power, and questions the value of political success in the face of mortality.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem consists of eight stanzas, each with four lines. It has no consistent rhyme scheme, but uses repetition and enjambment to create a sense of musicality and flow.
• Theme: Power, ambition, mortality, and the consequences of political action.
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid and often brutal imagery to describe the consequences of political ambition, including "the crows in a circle," "the hollow sound of naked feet on stone," and "the mute presence of dead heroes."
• Tone: The tone of the poem is mournful and reflective, with a sense of resignation and acceptance.
• Sound: The poem uses repetition and enjambment to create a sense of musicality and flow, and to emphasize the cyclical nature of political ambition.
• Language: The language is poetic and elevated, with occasional use of archaic and biblical language.
• Figurative language: The poem uses metaphor and symbolism to explore the theme of power and ambition, such as "the shudder of the earth at the fall of a great king" and "the barren triumphal arch."
• Structure: The lack of a consistent rhyme scheme and the use of enjambment create a sense of formlessness and chaos that mirrors the consequences of political action.
• Symbolism: Fortinbras represents the consequences of political ambition and the futility of power in the face of mortality.
• Emotion: The poem conveys a sense of sorrow, resignation, and the human toll of political action.

Overall. "Elegy of Fortinbras" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the theme of power and the consequences of political ambition. The poem's use of vivid and often brutal imagery, metaphorical language, and symbolism create a sense of depth and meaning that goes beyond the literal subject matter. The poem invites readers to reflect on the futility of power in the face of mortality and the human toll of political action.

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