An analysis of Shakespeares poem Fear No More?

Answer 1

The name of the poem you are asking about is "Fear No More" or "Fear no more the heart o' the sun." It is an extract from Shakespeare's play "Cymboline" during which, one character fakes death and two friends begin to mourn.

A central theme to this poem is death and attempting to find consolation after the death of the two characters' friend. After life, the poem suggests we must face death calmly and confidently because in death, you find respite from all of the ills of life and you find freedom. The speakers wish the dead a peaceful, happy death.

Other themes in the poem include time - we all must die and nobody can escape it - and the idea that life is hard. He includes many examples including "winter's rages" and "the tyrant's stroke" to show that life can be horrible but death is a way out of all of this.

Answer 2

I'm analysing 8 poems for an English Poetry Anthology, and I'm stuck on the 8th poem that I've picked. The theme is 'Fear' and so this poem, Fear No More, I think, is trying to eliminate the fears that we have. I'm just finding it very, very difficult, however, to actually translate the poem and point out the key literary techniques. So I'd be REALLY, REALLY greatful if someone could help me answer this question!

The poem follows:

Fear no more the heat o' the sun;
Nor the furious winter's rages,
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art

gone, and ta'en thy wages;
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney sweepers come to dust.

Fear no more the frown of the great,
Thou art past the tyrant's stroke:
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The sceptre, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust.

Fear no more the lightning-flash,
Nor the all-dread thunder-stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash;
Thou hast finished joy and moan;
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.

No exorciser harm thee!
Nor no witchcraft charm thee!
Ghost unlaid forbear thee!
Nothing ill come near thee!
Quiet consummation have;
And renowned be thy grave!

Answer 3

Representing an act of remembrance ,the poem has a philophical ring to it .it soothes and comforts with a reminder that death,though inevitable,is not to be dreaded for it means a final release from all needs,deficiencies and sorrows of life.