Ah! When the means are gone that buy this praise, the breath is gone whereof this praise is made

Ah! When the means are gone that buy this praise, the breath is gone whereof this praise is made

In William Shakespeare's works, particularly in his sonnets and plays, the theme of the fleeting nature of praise and fame is a recurring motif. One of the most poignant expressions of this idea can be found in Sonnet 87, where Shakespeare writes, "Ah! When the means are gone that buy this praise, the breath is gone whereof this praise is made."

This line encapsulates the idea that praise and fame are transient and ephemeral, dependent on external factors that can easily disappear. In the context of Shakespeare's own life and career, this sentiment takes on added poignancy. Despite being one of the most celebrated playwrights in history, Shakespeare himself was acutely aware of the impermanence of fame and the fickle nature of public opinion.

Throughout his works, Shakespeare explores the theme of the transience of human life and the inevitability of death. In Sonnet 87, he reflects on the fleeting nature of praise and the fragility of reputation. The "means" that buy praise could refer to wealth, power, or influence – all of which are subject to change and decay. Once these means are gone, the breath of praise itself dissipates, leaving behind only a hollow echo of past glory.

Shakespeare's own career serves as a testament to the idea expressed in this sonnet. Despite achieving great success during his lifetime, Shakespeare's works fell out of favor in the years following his death, only to be rediscovered and celebrated anew in the centuries that followed. The fact that Shakespeare's plays continue to be performed and studied to this day is a testament to the enduring power of his words, but it also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of fame and reputation.