Question

Give the theme of the poem Not Marble Nor the Gilded Monuments

Answer 1

The theme of the poem is the futility to fight against Time. Where physical objects like statues and memorials can be devastated by humans, but the memory of a written work cannot be. In this way, the poet immortalized the memory of his lover.

Answer 2

The sonnet, Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments brings out the futility of statues and ornate monuments raised by the rich and the powerful to immortalize themselves. The ravages of time on these monuments defeat the very purpose of building them and rob their architects of the pleasure of being remembered by the generations to come. The poem also brings out the poet’s faith in his verse and its ability to outlive the transient monuments.