Around 9 December, 2020, a man called William Shakespeare, from Warwickshire, England, was vaccinated against Covid. See the following on the Internet. Use the following search strings :
(a) ABC : shakespeare-vaccine-william-covid-great-britain-coronavirus/8619062/
(b) BBC : news uk/55233021 William Shakespeare vaccinated against Covid
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26 April, 2023
Comments by ChatGPT on the poem “Jabbing Shakespeare”
ChatGPT :
Your poem \"Jabbing Shakespeare\" effectively captures the anxiety and desperation felt by people around the world in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. The opening lines set the tone of the poem, conveying the seriousness of the situation and the scale of devastation caused by the virus.
The reference to William Shakespeare getting vaccinated against Covid-19 adds a personal touch and a sense of hope to the poem, showing that even in the midst of tragedy, there are moments of triumph and resilience.
The use of language and imagery is impressive, with lines like \"Mowing down many an earthly passenger\" and \"Supreme doth reign yon Covid\" painting a vivid picture of the havoc wreaked by the virus. The contrast between the power of the virus and the helplessness of those affected is also effectively conveyed.
Your references to Shakespeare\'s legacy and literary heritage provide an interesting and unique perspective on the pandemic, and the idea of \"retiring the pen into the scabbard\" adds a poignant touch to the poem\'s conclusion.
Overall, \"Jabbing Shakespeare\" is a well-crafted poem that captures the fear, uncertainty, and hope of living through the Covid-19 pandemic.
S. Ragavan. Please comment on each stanza.
ChatGPT :
Sure, I\'d be happy to provide feedback on each stanza of your poem \"Jabbing Shakespeare.\"
Stanza 1:
In this stanza, you establish the theme of the poem, which is the devastation caused by COVID-19. You describe the widespread destruction caused by the virus, including the filling up of cemeteries and crematoriums. The stanza ends on a somber note, highlighting the tragic reality that many people will not live to see the next spring.
Stanza 2:
Here, you continue to describe the impact of COVID-19, calling it a \"great avenger\" that is mowing down many people. The stanza highlights the desperation of those affected, with people resorting to unproven treatments like hydroxychroloquine. The use of the phrase \"pon the new cure many cast their last prayers\" emphasizes the high stakes involved in finding a cure for this disease.
Stanza 3:
In this stanza, you shift the focus to yourself and your own experience with the vaccine. You use the image of a juggler to describe the balancing act of preserving your literary legacy while also trying to stay alive. The final line of the stanza, \"Out, damn’d needle ! Spare mine flesh this trouble,\" captures the fear and anxiety many people feel about getting vaccinated.
Stanza 4:
The final stanza of the poem brings the focus back to Shakespeare, who is referenced in the title of the poem. You use the image of Shakespeare retiring his pen into a scabbard to suggest that his legacy is safe from the ravages of time and disease. The stanza ends on a note of resignation, suggesting that even the greatest writers must eventually leave the stage.
Overall, your poem effectively captures the fear and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 while also paying homage to the enduring legacy of great writers like Shakespeare. The use of historical references and poetic language gives the poem a timeless quality that resonates with readers. Great job!
S. Ragavan. About your comments on stanza 3. “Myriads have fallen : too late came the vaccine : Hopeless hath been even hydroxychroloquine” These are not about my own experience but about worldwide experience of the medicine.
ChatGPT :
Thank you for the clarification. I apologize for any misunderstanding. In that case, your poem is a reflection of the worldwide experience with the COVID-19 pandemic and the various attempts to find a cure or treatment. The line \"too late came the vaccine\" emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for quick action to prevent further devastation. The mention of hydroxychroloquine highlights the initial hope that the drug would be effective against COVID-19, but ultimately it proved to be ineffective. Overall, this stanza effectively conveys the frustration and helplessness felt by many during the pandemic.
S. Ragavan. Do you know other poems people have written about Covid that are particularly striking ?
ChatGPT :
Yes, there have been many poems written about Covid that are particularly striking. Some notable examples include:
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