Poetry · Chapter
Tercentenary Ode on Shakespeare explained
A commemorative ode celebrating the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth, reflecting on his enduring legacy, his iconic characters and plays, and the global and local celebrations held in his honor, including a gathering on the Canadian
What happens
A commemorative ode celebrating the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth, reflecting on his enduring legacy, his iconic characters and plays, and the global and local celebrations held in his honor, including a gathering on the Canadian Thames in Ingersoll.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Heritage and Immigrant Identity
The ode celebrates Shakespeare's global influence and the local commemoration in Canada, linking British literary heritage to Canadian identity.
Community and Social Gatherings
Describes a gathering on the Canadian Thames where 'gentle maids and comely dames' bring laurel scrolls, highlighting a community celebration.
Characters to notice
- Shakespeare
Central figure of the ode, celebrated on the tercentenary of his birth.
- King Duncan
Mentioned as a character lamented in Macbeth.
- Harold
Referenced as Harry, Prince of Wales, in the tale of his combat with Percy.
Key passages
“Three centuries have passed away Since that most famous April day, When the sweet, gentle Will was born, Whose name the age will e’re adorn.”
Three hundred years have gone by since the famous April day when the gentle William Shakespeare was born, a name that will forever honor the age.
Opens the ode by marking the 300-year anniversary of Shakespeare's birth.
“And here upon Canadian Thames The gentle maids and comely dames Do meet and each does bring her scroll Of laurel leaves from Ingersoll.”
And here on the Canadian Thames, the gentle maidens and attractive women gather, each bringing a scroll of laurel leaves from Ingersoll.
Describes the local celebration in Canada, connecting the global event to a specific community.