Apollo

Definition

Apollo is the ancient Greek god of music, poetry, art, oracles, archery, plague, medicine, sunlight, and knowledge. In the context of Shakespeare's sonnets, Apollo symbolizes inspiration and the ideal of beauty, often representing the poet's pursuit of artistic excellence and the search for truth in love and nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Apollo is often associated with the idea of ideal beauty and harmony, which influences the themes present in many of Shakespeare's sonnets.
2. In classical mythology, Apollo is seen as a symbol of enlightenment and reason, contrasting with other figures that embody chaos and passion.
3. The imagery of Apollo can be found throughout Shakespeare's work, where he often reflects on the relationship between divine inspiration and human creativity.
4. Shakespeare’s references to Apollo highlight the Renaissance belief in the connection between art and divine inspiration, suggesting that true artistry comes from a higher source.
5. The legacy of Apollo as a deity of the arts makes him a fitting figure for discussions around poetic form, beauty, and the pursuit of truth in literature.

Review Questions

• How does Apollo's symbolism relate to the themes found in Shakespeare's sonnets?
  • Apollo's symbolism connects deeply to the themes in Shakespeare's sonnets by representing the ideals of beauty and artistic inspiration. Many sonnets explore love and nature through this lens of idealism, reflecting Apollo's influence as a muse for poets. By invoking Apollo, Shakespeare elevates his pursuit of truth and beauty, aligning his work with classical ideals that celebrate harmony and creativity.
• Discuss how Apollo serves as a contrast to other figures in Shakespeare's sonnets that represent chaos or passion.
  • In Shakespeare's sonnets, Apollo embodies order, beauty, and reason while other figures often symbolize chaos or intense passion. This contrast allows for a richer exploration of human emotions; where Apollo encourages harmony in love and art, chaotic figures emphasize the struggles and conflicts inherent in those same experiences. The interplay between these opposing forces enhances the complexity of themes within the sonnets.
• Evaluate how the depiction of Apollo in Shakespeare's work reflects Renaissance values regarding art and inspiration.
  • The depiction of Apollo in Shakespeare’s work highlights Renaissance values by emphasizing the belief that true art is divinely inspired. This notion suggests that artists like Shakespeare are channels for greater truths rather than merely creators. The reverence for Apollo reinforces the importance placed on aesthetics and creativity during this period, showing how Renaissance thinkers sought to bridge classical philosophy with contemporary artistic expression.

Related terms

Lyric Poetry: A type of poetry that expresses personal emotions and thoughts, often characterized by a musical quality and a focus on themes like love and nature.

Sonnet: A 14-line poem written in iambic pentameter, typically exploring themes of love and beauty, often divided into the Petrarchan or Shakespearean form.

Muses: The nine goddesses in Greek mythology who inspire creativity in the arts and sciences; they represent various fields such as history, music, and poetry.