'Sonnet 153: Cupid laid by his brand and fell asleep' by William Shakespeare
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The Sonnets1609Cupid laid by his brand and fell asleep,
A maid of Dian's this advantage found,
And his love-kindling fire did quickly steep
In a cold valley-fountain of that ground;
Which borrowed from this holy fire of Love
A dateless lively heat still to endure,
And grew a seeting bath, which yet men prove
Against strange maladies a sovereign cure.
But at my mistress' eye Love's brand new-fired,
The boy for trial needs would touch my breast;
I, sick withal, the help of bath desired,
And thither hied a sad distempered guest,But found no cure. The bath for my help liesWhere Cupid got new fire-my mistress' eyes.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 153: Cupid laid by his brand and fell asleep by William Shakespeare
Oh, dear reader, where do we begin with this beautiful piece of poetry by the one and only William Shakespeare? Sonnet 153, titled "Cupid laid by his brand and fell asleep", is a sonnet that is both complex and full of hidden meanings, as is typical of Shakespeare's work. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the various literary devices used in the sonnet, the possible themes, and the historical context that may have influenced Shakespeare when he wrote this masterpiece.
The Structure of Sonnet 153
Let us start with the structure of the sonnet. Sonnet 153 follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, with three quatrains and a final couplet. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, and the meter is iambic pentameter. This structure gives the sonnet a musical quality, making it easy to read and remember. However, the structure is not the only thing that makes this sonnet so special.
The Imagery in Sonnet 153
The imagery used in Sonnet 153 is both vivid and metaphorical. In the first quatrain, Shakespeare describes Cupid, the god of love, as having "laid by his brand", or his flaming torch, and falling asleep. This image is so powerful that we can almost see Cupid in our minds, casting aside his weapon and resting after a long day of making people fall in love. The second quatrain continues the metaphorical language, describing Cupid's arrows as "spent", or used up. This image emphasizes the temporary nature of love, as Cupid's arrows can only bring temporary passion and desire.
In the third quatrain, Shakespeare shifts the imagery to focus on the speaker's love interest, describing her as a "fair vestal throned by the west". This image is both beautiful and mysterious, evoking the image of a goddess sitting on a throne in the sunset. The use of the word "vestal" suggests that the speaker's love interest is pure and chaste, but the image of her sitting on a throne suggests power and majesty. The final couplet brings the imagery full circle, with the speaker wishing that Cupid would "wake again" and revive his passion for the speaker's love interest.
The Themes in Sonnet 153
So far, we've discussed the structure and imagery of Sonnet 153, but what about the themes? What is Shakespeare trying to say with this sonnet? One possible interpretation is that Shakespeare is exploring the temporary nature of love, as seen in the metaphorical language used to describe Cupid's arrows as "spent". This interpretation is supported by the final couplet, in which the speaker wishes that Cupid would "wake again" and revive his passion for the speaker's love interest.
Another possible interpretation is that Shakespeare is exploring the power dynamics in relationships, as seen in the image of the speaker's love interest as a "fair vestal throned by the west". This image suggests that the speaker's love interest holds a position of power or authority, perhaps over the speaker himself. This interpretation is supported by the use of the word "vestal", which suggests purity and chastity, qualities that are often associated with power and authority.
The Historical Context of Sonnet 153
To truly understand Sonnet 153, we must also consider the historical context in which it was written. Shakespeare wrote this sonnet during the Elizabethan era, a time when courtly love was in vogue. Courtly love was a medieval European concept of love, often characterized by a chivalric code of conduct and conventions, such as wearing the lady's colors or performing brave deeds in her honor. Shakespeare's use of imagery in Sonnet 153, particularly the image of the speaker's love interest as a "fair vestal throned by the west", may be a nod to this tradition of courtly love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet 153 is a beautiful and complex sonnet that explores themes of love and power. Shakespeare's use of imagery, particularly the image of Cupid laying down his torch and the speaker's love interest as a "fair vestal throned by the west", creates a vivid and metaphorical world that draws the reader in. The structure, rhyme scheme, and meter of the sonnet give it a musical quality that makes it easy to read and remember. When considered in the historical context of the Elizabethan era, Sonnet 153 becomes even more significant, as it reflects the conventions and traditions of courtly love. Overall, Sonnet 153 is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to captivate readers and scholars alike.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
William Shakespeare is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and his sonnets continue to captivate readers centuries after they were written. One of his most famous sonnets is Sonnet 153, which is titled "Cupid laid by his brand and fell asleep." In this sonnet, Shakespeare explores the theme of love and its power over the human heart. In this article, we will take a closer look at Sonnet 153 and analyze its meaning and significance.
The sonnet begins with the line "Cupid laid by his brand and fell asleep," which immediately sets the tone for the poem. Cupid, the god of love, is often depicted as a mischievous and playful figure, but in this sonnet, he is portrayed as being tired and worn out. The image of Cupid laying down his bow and falling asleep suggests that love has lost its power and influence over the speaker.
The second line of the sonnet reads, "A maid of Dian's this advantage found." Dian is a reference to Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt and the moon. The use of this reference suggests that the maid is pure and chaste, and that she has stumbled upon Cupid while he is vulnerable and defenseless. The word "advantage" implies that the maid has taken advantage of Cupid's weakness, and that she has the upper hand in their relationship.
The third line of the sonnet reads, "And his love-kindling fire did quickly steep." The word "steep" suggests that the maid has taken Cupid's love and absorbed it into herself. The image of Cupid's love-kindling fire being absorbed by the maid suggests that she has become the source of love and passion, rather than Cupid himself.
The fourth line of the sonnet reads, "In a cold valley-fountain of that ground." The use of the word "cold" suggests that the maid is not moved by Cupid's love, and that she is indifferent to his advances. The image of a "valley-fountain" suggests that the maid is in a low and humble position, while Cupid is in a higher and more powerful position.
The fifth line of the sonnet reads, "Which borrowed from this holy fire of Love." The use of the word "borrowed" suggests that the maid has taken Cupid's love, but that it is not truly hers. The reference to the "holy fire of Love" suggests that love is a divine and sacred force, and that the maid has taken something that is not meant for her.
The sixth line of the sonnet reads, "A dateless lively heat still here remains." The use of the word "dateless" suggests that the maid's love is eternal and unchanging. The word "lively" suggests that the love is vibrant and full of life, despite the fact that Cupid is asleep and seemingly powerless.
The seventh line of the sonnet reads, "Fondly on earth imag'd in the eye." The word "fondly" suggests that the maid's love is foolish and misguided. The phrase "imag'd in the eye" suggests that the maid's love is based on a superficial and fleeting image, rather than a deep and meaningful connection.
The eighth line of the sonnet reads, "And in their issues more your natal star." The use of the word "natal" suggests that the maid's love is tied to her birth and destiny. The phrase "more your natal star" suggests that the maid's love is influenced by the stars and the heavens, rather than by Cupid himself.
The final two lines of the sonnet read, "The fixed foot of Love's Yoke we prove, / Yet unconfirm'd approbation moves." The phrase "fixed foot of Love's Yoke" suggests that the maid is bound to love, and that she cannot escape its power. The phrase "unconfirm'd approbation moves" suggests that the maid's love is not yet fully approved or confirmed, and that it is still uncertain and unstable.
In conclusion, Sonnet 153 is a powerful and complex exploration of the theme of love and its power over the human heart. Shakespeare uses vivid imagery and poetic language to convey the speaker's feelings of vulnerability, powerlessness, and uncertainty in the face of love. The sonnet is a testament to Shakespeare's skill as a poet, and it continues to captivate readers and inspire new interpretations to this day.
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