"The Phoenix and the Turtle," published in 1601, is an allegorical poem by William Shakespeare considered a seminal metaphysical work, exploring the concept of ideal love through the symbolic funeral of a phoenix and a turtledove.
William Shakespeare's "The Phoenix and the Turtle" (1601) is an allegorical poem considered one of his most obscure works, exploring the death of ideal love through the funeral of the title birds. It is noted for its metaphysical qualities and profound symbolism.
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| Back | The Phoenix and the Turtle (also spelled The Phœnix and the Turtle) is an allegorical poem about the death of ideal love by William Shakespeare. It is widely considered to be one of his most obscure works and has led to many conflicting interpretations. It has also been called "the first great published metaphysical poem". The title "The Phoenix and the Turtle" is a conventional label. As published, the poem was untitled. The "turtle" is the Turtledove کبوتر قمری , not the shelled reptile. Shakespeare's poem The Phoenix and the Turtle was first published in Robert Chester's Loves Martyr (1601) The poem describes a funeral arranged for the deceased Phoenix and Turtledove, respectively emblems of perfection and of devoted love. Some birds are invited, but others excluded. It goes on to state that the love of the birds created a perfect unity which transcended all logic and material fact. It concludes with a prayer for the dead lovers. |
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