because once death arrives we will lose the ability to feel and compare the objects that surround us (“To thee the reed is as the oak”). In addition, Shakespeare states that “scepter, learning, [and] physic” will also experience demise (“must / All follow this and come to dust”). The poet’s affirmation emphasizes that death is unavoidable for everyone, including those of high status, therefore, one should not attempt to fight it. Overall, by showing that diverse groups will Vidal 3have to encounter the same event, Shakespeare is able to convey his message that one should not panic when death begins to approach because it is the concluding cycle of every human’s life. Lastly, to emphasize his position, the poet uses the third stanza to bring together the ideas of the first two stanzas; however he adds a twist that stresses the importance of this concluding stanza. For example, he asks the reader, as in the previous stanzas, not to be alarmed by nature (“lightning-flash,” the “dreaded thunder-stone,”) or by those whose careless words or actions (“slander, censure rash”) cause emotional pain. As opposed to the other stanzas, the third does not urge the reader to ignore the small trifles in life. This idea is seen as Shakespeare continues this final thought by stating, “Thou hast finished joy and moan. / All lovers young, all lovers must / Consign to thee, and come to dust.” This statement attempts to show that once one is dead one can no longer enjoy the happiness (“joy”) or the distress (“moan”) that we are allowed to experience during a lifetime; therefore, we should take advantage of the time we have left. In addition, this line further reiterates the author’s theme that all, including those that are blessed with emotional happiness (“lovers young, all lovers…”), will have to leave ...
