Poetry Project Response (Alyssa)

On Time, by John Milton (written c. 1633-1634)

Follow the link to read the poem -- http://www.bartleby.com/4/205.html

Response:

(#2 - Connect the poem to other works from the course.)

The discussion of life and the afterlife in John Milton’s poem On Time both parallels and contrasts the discussion of the same themes in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Though the texts reach similar conclusions, Milton’s assertions are initially stronger and more confident than those of Hamlet. When Hamlet first contemplates the afterlife, he says, “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,” (3.1.91), admitting to the reader his fears and insecurities. Hamlet’s statement, in correlation with his mood swings and the sudden change from his first soliloquy, reveal that at this point he is both afraid and unsure of what might come in the afterlife. As the play progresses, however, Hamlet is able to develop a stronger sense of self and eventually states to Horatio that “The readiness is all,” (5.2.237). It takes Hamlet the entire play to form that opinion, but Milton’s poem seems to convey a similar message from the beginning. The opening line, “Fly, envious Time, till thou run out thy race,” expresses the same sense of preparedness and fearlessness as Hamlet’s statement. In addition, Milton’s final lines, “…Triumphing over Death, and Chance, and thee, O Time!” mirror the triumph Hamlet experiences at the end of the play despite his tragic and unfair death. Both texts ultimately communicate that only by being ready for the unknown can one truly succeed in conquering it.