'Sonnet 22: My glass shall not persuade me I am old' by William Shakespeare

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The Sonnets1609My glass shall not persuade me I am old
So long as youth and thou are of one date;
But when in thee Time's furrows I behold,
Then look I death my days should expiate.
For all that beauty that doth cover thee
Is but the seemly raiment of my heart,
Which in thy breast doth live, as thine in me.
How can I then be elder than thou art?
O, therefore, love, be of thyself so wary
As I not for myself, but for thee will,
Bearing thy heart, which I will keep so chary
As tender nurse her babe from faring ill.Presume not on thy heart when mine is slain;Thou gav'st me thine, not to give back again.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 22: My glass shall not persuade me I am old

William Shakespeare's Sonnet 22, "My glass shall not persuade me I am old," is a powerful meditation on the nature of ageing and the human desire to cling to youth. The poem is part of a larger series of 154 sonnets, which were likely written in the early 17th century. Sonnet 22 begins with a declaration of defiance against the speaker's perception of his own ageing. As the poem progresses, the speaker explores the various ways in which he can resist the inevitable march of time.

The speaker's defiance

The opening lines of Sonnet 22 make it clear that the speaker is determined to resist the idea that he is getting older. He declares that "My glass shall not persuade me I am old." This line is a reference to the idea of looking in a mirror or glass and seeing the physical signs of ageing. The speaker is determined not to let his own reflection convince him that he is no longer young.

This defiance is rooted in the fact that the speaker is still in the prime of his life. He declares that he is still "green." This is a metaphorical way of saying that he is still full of life and vitality, like a plant that is still growing. The speaker is not ready to accept that he is past his prime.

The fear of ageing

The speaker's defiance is rooted in a fear of ageing. He is afraid of becoming old and losing his youth and vitality. This fear is common among humans, who often cling to youth as a way of avoiding the reality of their own mortality.

The speaker's fear of ageing is expressed in the second quatrain, where he laments the fact that time is passing him by. He says that "Time, thou shalt not boast that I do change." This line is a defiant statement against the idea that time will inevitably change him. The speaker is determined to remain the same, even as time continues to move forward.

The power of language

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to explore the various ways in which he can resist the effects of time. One of the ways he suggests is through language. He says that "O, let me not be mad, not desperate grown, / But in my will my better self entomb."

Here, the speaker is suggesting that he can overcome the effects of time by burying his better self in his own will. This is a metaphorical way of saying that he can use his own language and thoughts to overcome the ageing process. By controlling his own thoughts and will, the speaker can resist the effects of time.

The quest for immortality

The final quatrain of the poem explores the speaker's quest for immortality. He says that "My name be buried where my body is, / And live no more to shame nor me nor you." Here, the speaker suggests that he wants to be remembered long after he is gone. He wants to leave a lasting legacy that will ensure that he is remembered.

This quest for immortality is common among humans, who often strive to leave a lasting impact on the world. The speaker is suggesting that even though his physical body will eventually decay, his legacy can live on.

Conclusion

Overall, Sonnet 22 is a powerful meditation on the human fear of ageing and the quest for immortality. Shakespeare's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem remains relevant to this day. The speaker's defiance against the effects of time is a universal theme that still resonates with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

William Shakespeare is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and his sonnets are a testament to his mastery of the craft. Sonnet 22, titled "My glass shall not persuade me I am old," is a classic example of Shakespeare's ability to convey complex emotions through simple language. In this sonnet, Shakespeare explores the theme of aging and the fear of losing one's youth.

The sonnet begins with the speaker rejecting the idea that his physical appearance is an accurate reflection of his age. He declares that his "glass," or mirror, will not persuade him that he is old. This line sets the tone for the rest of the sonnet, as the speaker is determined to resist the notion that he is no longer young.

The second quatrain of the sonnet expands on this idea, as the speaker describes the physical signs of aging that he sees in his reflection. He notes that his "silver hairs" and "wrinkled brow" are evidence of the passage of time, but he refuses to let these signs of aging define him. Instead, he asserts that his "youthful spirit" is still alive and well, and that he will not be defeated by the ravages of time.

The third quatrain of the sonnet takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker reflects on the nature of time itself. He notes that time is a "thief" that steals away our youth and vitality, but he also acknowledges that time is a necessary part of life. Without the passage of time, there can be no growth or change, and so the speaker accepts the inevitability of aging.

The final couplet of the sonnet brings the poem to a satisfying conclusion, as the speaker declares that he will not be defeated by time. He asserts that his "love" for life and his determination to live fully in the present moment will keep him young at heart, even as his body ages. This final couplet is a powerful statement of resilience and hope, and it encapsulates the central message of the sonnet.

Overall, Sonnet 22 is a powerful meditation on the theme of aging and the fear of losing one's youth. Shakespeare's use of simple language and vivid imagery makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages, while his deep understanding of human nature gives the poem a timeless quality that resonates with readers to this day. Whether you are young or old, this sonnet is a reminder that the passage of time is a natural part of life, and that we must embrace each moment with joy and gratitude.

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