The Phoenix and the Turtle
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4.4 • 21 Ratings
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Publisher Description
The Phoenix 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. [1] It has also been called "the first great published metaphysical poem". [2] The title "The Phoenix and the Turtle" is a conventional label. As published, the poem was untitled. The "turtle" is the Turtledove, not the shelled reptile.
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.
Customer Reviews
Turtle and Phoenix
The poem can be seen as a form of lament over the religious contention and violence of the times. For example, the duality discussion can easily refer to the God/man identity of Christ. The turtle is the faithful Catholic and the Phoenix the CoE. Innocents are martyred on both sides but only the CoE arises from the ashes.