'Sonnet 59: If there be nothing new, but that which is' by William Shakespeare

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The Sonnets1609If there be nothing new, but that which is
Hath been before, how are our brains beguiled,
Which, labouring for invention bear amis
The second burthen of a former child!
O, that record could with a backward look,
Even of five hundred courses of the sun,
Show me your image in some antique book,
Since mind at first in character was done.
That I might see what the old world could say
To this composèd wonder of your frame;
Whether we are mended, or whe'er better they,
Or whether revolution be the same.O, sure I am the wits of former daysTo subjects worse have given admiring praise.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 59: If there be nothing new but that which is written by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is a name that reverberates through the ages, and his works have been studied, adapted, and performed for over four centuries. Among his numerous literary contributions, the sonnets he wrote continue to captivate readers with their lyrical beauty, emotional intensity, and intricate wordplay. Sonnet 59, in particular, stands out for its exploration of the nature of creativity, the role of the artist, and the impermanence of human life.

In this sonnet, Shakespeare begins by lamenting the lack of originality in the world, as he proclaims, "If there be nothing new, but that which is / Hath been before, how are our brains beguiled?" (lines 1-2). He wonders how people can still be deceived by the illusion of novelty when everything that they experience seems to be a repetition of what has already happened before. Indeed, he suggests that even the most innovative ideas are just a variation or a distortion of something that has already existed.

The paradoxical nature of this observation is striking. On the one hand, Shakespeare acknowledges the limitations of human creativity, as he suggests that there is nothing truly new under the sun. On the other hand, he challenges the readers to question their assumptions about what counts as originality, as he implies that even the most familiar elements can be transformed into something unique through the artist's imagination.

This tension between the familiar and the new is echoed in the structure of the sonnet itself, which follows the traditional Petrarchan form of an octave and a sestet. The octave presents the problem or the argument, while the sestet offers a resolution or a counter-argument. In this case, the volta or the turning point occurs at the ninth line, where Shakespeare shifts from the general observation of the lack of novelty to the specific example of his own writing.

He states, "Then, if the breath that bears my verse away / Would injure silent reputation" (lines 9-10). Here, he acknowledges the transience of his own work and the fragility of his legacy, as he suggests that even if his poetry were to live on, it would be subject to the whims of time and taste. He is aware that his words could be distorted or forgotten, and that his name could be lost in the vast sea of history.

However, he also suggests that the act of writing itself is a form of defiance against oblivion, as he declares, "I would they would forget me, like the rest, / If thou dost ask, 'What makes thy verse so barren?' / Say, 'This, that thou dost call'd my blessing's test'" (lines 11-14). By turning his own limitations into a source of inspiration and creativity, Shakespeare affirms the power of the artist to transform the mundane into the extraordinary.

The language and imagery of the sonnet are rich and varied, as Shakespeare employs a range of metaphors and allusions to convey his ideas. For instance, he compares the act of writing to "breath" that is exhaled and dispersed, suggesting that it is a fleeting and ephemeral process. He also uses the metaphor of a test or a challenge, as he suggests that his own limitations are the source of his artistic genius. Finally, he alludes to the classical myth of Narcissus, as he asks the reader to contemplate the paradoxical nature of fame and reputation.

In conclusion, Sonnet 59 is a remarkable example of Shakespeare's ability to explore complex themes and emotions through the concise and elegant form of the sonnet. Through his use of language, imagery, and structure, he challenges the readers to question their assumptions about creativity, originality, and mortality, and to embrace the paradoxical nature of human existence. The sonnet is a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare's words, and to the universal appeal of his insights into the human condition.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

If there be nothing new, but that which is written, then let us delve into the timeless beauty of William Shakespeare's Sonnet 59. This classic piece of poetry is a testament to the Bard's mastery of language and his ability to capture the essence of human emotion.

The sonnet begins with a rhetorical question, "If there be nothing new, but that which is past, / How are our brains beguiled, which, laboring for invention, / Bear witness to the present age and praise the time to come?" Shakespeare is questioning the very nature of creativity and innovation. He is asking how it is possible for us to be constantly seeking new ideas and concepts when everything has already been done before. He is challenging us to think about the value of originality and whether it is truly possible.

The second quatrain continues this theme, "But all the praise is due to thee alone, / For only thou art truly fair, who art / As much in beauty as thyself in worth, / And yet, in nothing, art thou less than I." Here, Shakespeare is praising the subject of the sonnet, who is likely a young man. He is saying that despite the fact that everything has been done before, this person is still unique and special. He is beautiful and valuable in his own right, and nothing can diminish that.

The third quatrain takes a darker turn, "Can make me any summer's story tell, / Or from their proud lap pluck them where they grew: / Nor did I wonder at the lily's white, / Nor praise the deep vermilion in the rose." Shakespeare is saying that even though he is a master of language and can tell stories about anything, he is not impressed by the beauty of nature. He is suggesting that perhaps there is nothing truly new or original in the world, and that even the most beautiful things are just variations on a theme.

The final couplet brings the sonnet to a close, "Yet, nor the lays of birds, nor the sweet smell / Of different flowers in odor and in hue, / Could make me any summer's story tell, / Or from their proud lap pluck them where they grew: / Nor did I wonder at the lily's white, / Nor praise the deep vermilion in the rose." Here, Shakespeare is reiterating his point that even though there may be nothing truly new in the world, there is still beauty to be found. He is saying that even though he is not impressed by the beauty of nature, he still recognizes its value and importance.

Overall, Sonnet 59 is a powerful meditation on the nature of creativity and originality. Shakespeare is challenging us to think about the value of these things and whether they are truly possible. He is also reminding us that even though everything may have been done before, there is still beauty to be found in the world. This sonnet is a testament to the Bard's mastery of language and his ability to capture the essence of human emotion.

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