William Shakespeare's Extraordinary Lyrical Talent: Songs within his Dramas

Unveiling the Lyrical Brilliance: William Shakespeare's Poetic Mastery within his Dramas

The Lyrical Brilliance of Shakespeare: Exploring the Poetic Genius in His Scattered Lyrics

William Shakespeare, widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in history, as Albert says, not only excelled in dramatic storytelling but also demonstrated his poetic brilliance in his later works. Throughout his plays, Shakespeare's lyrical prowess shines through the numerous scattered lyrics, captivating readers and audiences alike. These lyrical interludes within his plays provide a glimpse into the poetical genius of Shakespeare, showcasing his ability to evoke emotions, convey profound insights, and create timeless verses. Tom Kines in his Songs from Shakespeare's plays, and popular songs of Shakespeare's time has evaluated the entire songs from Shakespeare's plays and tries to trace the sources and its Elizabethan settings.  In this essay, we will explore how Shakespeare's later poetical work is beautifully represented in these scattered lyrics, underscoring his enduring impact on the realm of literature.

Shakespeare's Musical Alchemy: Unveiling the Transformative Power of Song in his Plays

William Shakespeare

The true extent of originality in Shakespeare's songs remains a subject of uncertainty. However, it is widely believed that, much like Robert Burns, Shakespeare drew inspiration from popular songs and incorporated them into his lyrics. Shakespeare's mastery of language and his ability to adapt existing melodies allowed him to infuse these borrowed elements with his own artistic touch. Through this creative process, he transformed familiar tunes into lyrical gems that seamlessly integrated into the fabric of his plays. Thus, while the origins of Shakespeare's songs may be somewhat ambiguous, their undeniable beauty and resonance demonstrate his remarkable skill in harnessing the power of music to enhance his poetic compositions.

Shakespeare's Melodic Tapestry: A Symphony of Versatile Poetry

Shakespeare's repertoire of songs spans a wide range of styles, showcasing his versatility and mastery of poetic expression. From the whimsical and nonsensical verses found in plays like Hamlet and King Lear, to the ethereal beauty of Ariel's enchanting "Full fathom five," Shakespeare's lyrical compositions demonstrate both diversity and excellence. His songs encompass various moods and tones, ranging from the rustic charm of "It was a lover and his lass" to the sophisticated wit and humor of "O mistress mine." Among the notable gems are the haunting willow-song in Othello, the tender plea of "Take, O take those lips away" in Measure for Measure, and the solemn elegy of "Fear no more the heat o' the sun" in Cymbeline. Each song stands as a testament to Shakespeare's exceptional poetic craftsmanship.

Nonsensical Whimsy: Shakespeare's Playful Verses in Hamlet

In the tragedy of Hamlet, Shakespeare skillfully incorporates nonsense-verses, adding a touch of whimsy to the somber atmosphere. These playful and seemingly nonsensical verses, such as Hamlet's famous line "By'r lady, your ladyship is nearer to heaven than when I saw you last, by the altitude of a chopine," create a contrasting element, highlighting Shakespeare's ability to seamlessly weave together different tones and emotions within his work:

"You are welcome, masters; welcome, all. I am glad

to see thee well. Welcome, good friends. O, my old

friend! thy face is valenced since I saw thee last:

comest thou to beard me in Denmark? What, my young

lady and mistress! By'r lady, your ladyship is

nearer to heaven than when I saw you last, by the

altitude of a chopine. Pray God, your voice, like

apiece of uncurrent gold, be not cracked within the

ring. Masters, you are all welcome. We'll e'en

to't like French falconers, fly at any thing we see:

we'll have a speech straight: come, give us a taste

of your quality; come, a passionate speech."

Absurdity and Chaos: Nonsensical Interludes in Shakespeare's King Lear

King Lear, another one of Shakespeare's renowned tragedies, also features the inclusion of nonsense-verses. These verses add a touch of absurdity and chaos to the play's tumultuous events. One notable instance is the Fool's witty banter and nonsensical wordplay. Through these nonsensical interludes, Shakespeare explores the themes of madness and the collapse of order, effectively utilizing humor and paradox to underscore the tragic nature of the story and to provide a unique perspective on the events unfolding in King Lear.

The Enchanting Melody of "Full Fathom Five": Shakespeare's Lyrical Prowess

In Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," the character Ariel enchants with the hauntingly beautiful song "Full fathom five." This exquisite piece showcases Shakespeare's lyrical prowess as he crafts a mesmerizing melody filled with evocative imagery. Through the song, Ariel, a spirit of the island, poetically describes a drowned man's transformation into a coral reef, capturing both the ethereal and the eerie. With its graceful verses, "Full fathom five" stands as a testament to Shakespeare's ability to weave enchantment through words and music within his plays:

"Full fathom five thy father lies;

Of his bones are coral made;

Those are pearls that were his eyes:

Nothing of him that doth fade,

But doth suffer a sea-change

Into something rich and strange.

Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell:

                                             Ding-dong.

Hark! now I hear them,—ding-dong, bell."

A Bucolic Ode to Love: Exploring Rustic Delights in Shakespeare's 'It was a lover and his lass'

Shakespeare's "It was a lover and his lass," found in the pastoral comedy "As You Like It," exudes a charming and rustic quality. This delightful song encapsulates the simplicity and innocence of love in a countryside setting. Through its lively and playful verses, the song paints a vivid picture of a lover courting his sweetheart amidst the beauty of nature. The homely rusticity of the lyrics, with their joyful and down-to-earth expressions, adds to the bucolic charm and timeless appeal of Shakespeare's work:

"It was a lover and his lass,

   With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,

That o’er the green cornfield did pass,

   In springtime, the only pretty ring time,

When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;

Sweet lovers love the spring.

Between the acres of the rye,

   With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,

Those pretty country folks would lie,

   In springtime, the only pretty ring time,

When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;

Sweet lovers love the spring.

This carol they began that hour,

   With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,

How that a life was but a flower

   In springtime, the only pretty ring time,

When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;

Sweet lovers love the spring.

And therefore take the present time,

   With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,

For love is crownèd with the prime

   In springtime, the only pretty ring time,

When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;

Sweet lovers love the spring."

Shakespeare's Wry and Amusing Ode to Love: Exploring 'O Mistress Mine' in Twelfth Night

Shakespeare's "O mistress mine," from the romantic comedy "Twelfth Night," showcases his trademark wry humor. This song, sung by the character Feste, is a clever and witty ode to the transient nature of love. With its tongue-in-cheek wordplay and ironic observations, "O mistress mine" playfully highlights the fickleness and unpredictability of romantic relationships. Shakespeare's skillful blend of sarcasm and satire in this song adds a layer of comedic depth, further enhancing the comedic tone of the play and delighting audiences with its wry and amusing perspective on love:

"O Mistress mine where are you roaming?

O stay and hear, your true love's coming,

      That can sing both high and low.

Trip no further pretty sweeting.

Journeys end in lovers' meeting,

      Every wise man's son doth know.

What is love, 'tis not hereafter,

Present mirth, hath present laughter:

      What's to come, is still unsure.

In delay there lies no plenty,

Then come kiss me sweet and twenty:

      Youth's a stuff will not endure."

Melancholic Melodies: The Poetic Power of the Willow-Song in Shakespeare's Othello

The haunting willow-song in Shakespeare's tragedy "Othello" is a poignant moment that underscores the emotional turmoil within the play. Sung by Desdemona with her maid, the song captures the despair and heartache of lost love. The willow-tree serves as a symbol of sorrow and longing, as the maid mournfully sings of a forsaken lover. Through its melancholic melody and evocative lyrics, the willow-song adds a layer of depth and pathos to the unfolding tragedy. Shakespeare's use of this song demonstrates his ability to evoke powerful emotions and enhance the dramatic impact of his plays through the poetic medium of music:

"My mother had a maid call'd Barbara:

She was in love, and he she loved proved mad

And did forsake her: she had a song of 'willow;'

An old thing 'twas, but it express'd her fortune,

And she died singing it: that song to-night

Will not go from my mind; I have much to do,

But to go hang my head all at one side,

And sing it like poor Barbara."

Love's Melody: A Reflection on Desire and Transience in Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure"

In Shakespeare's play "Measure for Measure," the song "Take, O take those lips away" emerges as a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and desire. Uttered by the boy, the song explores the theme of longing and the fleeting nature of physical affection. Through its tender verses, the song captures the yearning for connection and the bittersweet realization of the transience of human intimacy. Shakespeare's inclusion of this heartfelt song adds depth and emotional resonance to the play, emphasizing the profound impact of love and its consequences on the characters' lives:

"Take, O, take those lips away,
That so sweetly were forsworn;
And those eyes, the break of day,
Lights that do mislead the morn:
But my kisses bring again, bring again;
Seals of love, but sealed in vain, sealed in vain."

Transcending Mortality: Shakespeare's Serene Elegy in "Cymbeline"

Shakespeare's "Fear no more the heat o' the sun," featured in the play "Cymbeline," is a solemn and noble dirge that reflects on the inevitability of mortality and the acceptance of death. This poignant song, sung by characters in a funeral procession, offers solace and consolation, reminding listeners of the transient nature of life's struggles. Through its serene and comforting verses, "Fear no more the heat o' the sun" encapsulates Shakespeare's profound understanding of human existence, capturing both the fragility and the eternal essence of the human spirit in the face of mortality. It is a duel song:

"GUIDERIUS 

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.

ARVIRAGUS 

Fear no more the frown o' 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.

GUIDERIUS 

Fear no more the lightning flash,

ARVIRAGUS 

Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone;

GUIDERIUS 

Fear not slander, censure rash;

ARVIRAGUS 

Thou hast finish'd joy and moan:

GUIDERIUS ARVIRAGUS 

All lovers young, all lovers must

Consign to thee, and come to dust.

GUIDERIUS 

No exorciser harm thee!

ARVIRAGUS 

Nor no witchcraft charm thee!

GUIDERIUS 

Ghost unlaid forbear thee!

ARVIRAGUS 

Nothing ill come near thee!

GUIDERIUS ARVIRAGUS 

Quiet consummation have;

And renowned be thy grave!"

Shakespeare's Lyrical Brilliance: Elevating him Among Literary Giants

Even if William Shakespeare had not achieved his renowned status as the greatest dramatist in history, his exceptional talent as a lyrical poet would undoubtedly secure him a place among the literary giants. Shakespeare's gift for crafting evocative and emotionally resonant verses shines through his extensive body of work. His lyrical poetry, encompassing a range of themes and styles, showcases his mastery of language, his ability to convey profound insights, and his unparalleled capacity to evoke a myriad of emotions. Regardless of his dramatic accomplishments, Shakespeare's lyrical prowess alone would solidify his esteemed position as one of the most exceptional poets in the English language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shakespeare's impact as a poet extends far beyond his unparalleled achievements as a dramatist. His lyrical verses possess a timeless beauty and depth that continue to captivate readers and inspire generations. Whether in his scattered lyrics within the plays, his poignant dirges, or his lively and witty songs, Shakespeare's poetic genius shines brightly. The breadth of his lyrical talent, encompassing a wide range of emotions, styles, and themes, confirms that even if he had never written a single play, he would still be celebrated as one of the greatest lyrical poets in the history of literature.

Ardhendu De

References:

1. Songs from Shakespeare’s plays, and popular songs of Shakespeare’s time : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/songsfromshakesp0000unse

2. The complete works of William Shakespeare, with a full and comprehensive life; a history of the early drama; an introduction to each play; the readings of former editions; glossarial and other notes, etc., etc., from the work of Collier, Knight, Dyce, Douce, Halliwell, Hunter, Richardson, Verplanck, and Hudson. Edited by George Long Duyckinck : Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/completeworksofw00shakuoft

3. ALBERT. (2000). History of English Literature (Fifth Edition) [English]. OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.