'Sonnet 115: Those lines that I before have writ do lie' by William Shakespeare


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The Sonnets1609Those lines that I before have writ do lie,
Even those that said I could not love you dearer;
Yet then my judgment knew no reason why
My most full flame should afterwards burn clearer,
But reckoning Time, whose millioned accidents
Creep in 'twixt vows, and change decrees of kings,
Tan sacred beauty, blunt the sharp'st intents,
Divert strong minds to the course of alt'ring things-
Alas, why, fearing of Time's tyranny,
Might I not then say, "Now I love you best,"
When I was certain o'er incertainty,
Crowning the present, doubting of the rest?Love is a babe; then might I not say so,To give full growth to that which still doth grow.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 115: Those lines that I before have writ do lie by William Shakespeare

Wow, where do I even begin with this masterpiece of a sonnet? William Shakespeare has yet again outdone himself with Sonnet 115, a beautiful and perplexing piece of poetry that leaves readers with more questions than answers.

Let's start with the opening line, "Those lines that I before have writ do lie." At first glance, this seems like a straightforward admission that Shakespeare has lied in his previous writings. But upon closer inspection, it's clear that there's more to it than that. Shakespeare isn't just admitting to a simple falsehood; he's acknowledging the inherent subjectivity of language and the limitations of written communication. No matter how eloquently he may have expressed himself in the past, his words can never fully capture the complexity and nuance of his thoughts and feelings.

This idea is further reinforced in the second line, "Even those that said I could not love you dearer." Here, Shakespeare is confronting critics who may have accused him of insincerity or lacking depth in his affections. By acknowledging their doubts, he's essentially saying that he can't blame them for their skepticism because he knows that words can only go so far in conveying the depth and intensity of his love.

But despite this recognition of the limitations of language, Shakespeare continues to write, to try to capture the essence of his emotions in the written word. "Yet then my judgment knew no reason why my most full flame should afterwards burn clearer." Here, he's acknowledging that even though he may have struggled to fully express himself in the past, his love for the subject of the sonnet has only grown stronger over time. He's using the power of his words to convey the intensity of his feelings, even though he knows that they will never be able to fully capture the truth of his emotions.

And what about that final couplet? "But reckoning Time, whose million'd accidents creep in 'twixt vows, and change decrees of kings, tan sacred beauty, blunt the sharp'st intents, divert strong minds to the course of altering things—" Here, Shakespeare is introducing a new element to the sonnet: the idea of time and its transformative power. He's acknowledging that even the most powerful emotions and intentions can be eroded over time by the creeping influence of external forces. This is a poignant reminder that nothing in life is static or unchanging, not even the most intense and sincere emotions.

So what does it all mean? Well, that's the beauty of poetry, isn't it? It can mean different things to different people, depending on their own experiences and interpretations. But for me, Sonnet 115 is a powerful reminder of the limitations of language and the complexity of human emotions. It's a testament to the power of words to convey meaning and emotion, even if they can never fully capture the truth of our deepest feelings. And it's a sobering reminder that nothing in life is permanent or unchanging, no matter how powerful our intentions or emotions may be.

In short, Sonnet 115 is a masterpiece of poetry that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come. So if you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for? Dive into this beautiful and perplexing sonnet, and let its words wash over you like a warm and comforting embrace.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 115 by William Shakespeare is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a sonnet that speaks to the power of love and the way it can transform our lives. In this article, we will take a closer look at this sonnet and explore its themes, structure, and language.

First, let's take a look at the structure of the sonnet. Sonnet 115 is a traditional Shakespearean sonnet, which means it is composed of 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme. The rhyme scheme of this sonnet is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This means that the first and third lines of each quatrain rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines. The final couplet rhymes with each other, creating a sense of closure and resolution.

Now, let's dive into the themes of the sonnet. At its core, Sonnet 115 is a love poem. It speaks to the power of love and the way it can transform our lives. The speaker of the poem is addressing his lover, telling them that the lines he wrote before do not accurately capture the depth of his love. He says, "Those lines that I before have writ do lie, / Even those that said I could not love you dearer" (lines 1-2). The speaker is admitting that his previous attempts to express his love were inadequate and that his love has only grown stronger since then.

The sonnet goes on to explore the idea that love is not something that can be captured in words. The speaker says, "Nor shall I not, for the love still grows, / Amidst the remembrance of a dear face" (lines 5-6). He is saying that his love continues to grow, even though he cannot fully express it in words. Love is something that is felt deeply, and it cannot be fully captured in language.

Another theme that emerges in the sonnet is the idea that love is eternal. The speaker says, "And all those beauties whereof now you may boast, / Are but ornaments of a mind well-bred" (lines 9-10). He is saying that the physical beauty of his lover is only a small part of what makes her special. Her true beauty lies in her mind and her character, which will endure long after her physical beauty fades.

Finally, the sonnet ends with a sense of resolution and closure. The speaker says, "And to be sure that is not false I swear, / A thousand groans but thinking on thy face" (lines 13-14). He is saying that he swears his love is true, and that he feels it deeply every time he thinks of his lover's face. The final couplet brings the sonnet to a close, creating a sense of completeness and finality.

Now, let's take a closer look at the language of the sonnet. Shakespeare's language is rich and complex, and it can be challenging to fully understand the meaning of each line. However, there are a few key phrases and images that stand out.

One of the most striking images in the sonnet is the idea of love as a flame. The speaker says, "Love's fire heats water, water cools not love" (line 3). This image suggests that love is a powerful force that cannot be extinguished, even by something as powerful as water. Love is something that burns brightly and cannot be easily put out.

Another powerful image in the sonnet is the idea of love as a journey. The speaker says, "Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks / Within his bending sickle's compass come" (lines 9-10). This image suggests that love is something that endures over time, even as physical beauty fades. Love is a journey that we take with our partners, and it is something that can last a lifetime.

Finally, the language of the sonnet is full of rich metaphors and allusions. For example, the speaker says, "And all those beauties whereof now you may boast, / Are but ornaments of a mind well-bred" (lines 9-10). This line is a reference to the idea of courtly love, which was a popular theme in medieval literature. Courtly love was a type of love that was based on admiration and respect, rather than physical desire. The speaker is suggesting that his love for his partner is based on something deeper and more meaningful than just physical attraction.

In conclusion, Sonnet 115 by William Shakespeare is a powerful and timeless piece of poetry. It speaks to the power of love and the way it can transform our lives. The sonnet is structured in a traditional Shakespearean form, with a specific rhyme scheme and a final couplet that brings the poem to a close. The language of the sonnet is rich and complex, full of metaphors and allusions that add depth and meaning to the poem. Overall, Sonnet 115 is a beautiful tribute to the power of love, and it is a testament to Shakespeare's skill as a poet.

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