Shakespeare's Supremacy

The most prevalent theme of "On Shakespeare" is Shakespeare's unparalleled skill as a poet and the literary legacy he created. The poem was described by Milton himself as an epitaph, or a short phrase or remark meant to commemorate someone who has died. In poetry, however, epitaphs tend to be much longer than their traditional use for tombstone inscription. "On Shakespeare" is no exception, clocking in at sixteen lines that are dedicated to representing Shakespeare as writer without equal. Milton suggests that Shakespeare's legacy transcends that of kings and even gods by announcing that large monuments and pyramids are insufficient ways to remember the bard. Furthermore, he later refers to Shakespeare's prolific writing and impressive repertoire by suggesting that while most art is "slow-endeavouring," Shakespeare's "easy numbers flow," entering the hearts of everyone who reads his work (9-10). Here, Milton portrays Shakespeare as a writer...