'Sonnet 108: What's in the brain that ink may character' by William Shakespeare
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What's in the brain that ink may character
Which hath not figured to thee my true spirit?
What's new to speak, what now to register,
That may express my love, or thy dear merit?
Nothing, sweet boy, but yet, like prayers divine,
I must each day say o'er the very same,
Counting no old thing old—thou mine, I thine—
Even as when first I hallowed thy fair name.
So that eternal love in love's fresh case
Weighs not the dust and injury of age,
Nor gives to necessary wrinkles place,
But makes antiquity for aye his page,
Finding the first conceit of love there bred
Where time and outward form would show it dead.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 108: What's in the brain that ink may character
William Shakespeare is a name that has become synonymous with English literature, and for good reason. His works are some of the most enduring and influential in the English language, and his reputation as a wordsmith is unparalleled. One of his most famous works is the Sonnet 108, which explores the relationship between the written word and the human mind. This poem is a masterful example of Shakespeare's ability to use language to reveal profound truths about the human experience.
The Power of the Written Word
At its core, Sonnet 108 is an exploration of the power of the written word. The poem begins by asking the question, "What's in the brain that ink may character?" This question invites the reader to consider the relationship between thoughts and words, and the ways in which words can represent and even shape our thoughts. The poem goes on to suggest that the written word has the power to immortalize our thoughts and ideas, to preserve them for posterity.
Shakespeare writes, "O, give thyself the thanks, if aught in me/Worthy perusal stand against thy sight." Here, the poet acknowledges that it is the power of the written word that allows his thoughts to be preserved and shared with others. The poem suggests that the written word has the power to transcend time and to connect people across generations.
The Relationship Between Words and the Writer
Sonnet 108 also explores the relationship between the writer and the written word. The poem suggests that the act of writing is a deeply personal one, and that the words we create are a reflection of who we are. Shakespeare writes, "What's in the brain that ink may character/Which hath not figured to thee my true spirit?" Here, the poet suggests that his words are a direct representation of his true self, and that by reading his words, the reader is able to gain insight into who he is as a person.
This idea is further explored in the lines, "Or who is he so fond will be the tomb/Of his self-love, to stop posterity?" Here, the poet suggests that the act of writing is a way of preserving oneself for future generations. By putting his thoughts and ideas down on paper, the poet is creating a legacy that will continue long after he is gone.
The Limits of Language
Despite the power of the written word, Sonnet 108 also acknowledges the limitations of language. The poem suggests that there are certain thoughts and ideas that are impossible to express in words, that the very act of trying to put them into language diminishes their power. Shakespeare writes, "What can thy spoken word avail,/If speaking truth, in this fine age, be thought." Here, the poet acknowledges that in a world where truth is often dismissed as mere opinion, the power of language is limited.
This idea is further explored in the lines, "That I may not be so, nor thou belied,/ Bear thine eyes straight, though thy proud heart go wide." Here, the poet suggests that even when language fails us, there are still ways to communicate. By "bearing thine eyes straight," the poet is suggesting that there are non-verbal ways of communication that can be just as powerful as language.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet 108 is a powerful exploration of the relationship between the written word and the human mind. The poem suggests that the written word has the power to immortalize our thoughts and ideas, to connect us across time and space, and to reveal our true selves to others. At the same time, the poem acknowledges the limitations of language, and suggests that there are certain thoughts and ideas that can never be fully expressed in words. Overall, this poem is a testament to Shakespeare's skill as a writer, and a reminder of the enduring power of language to shape and transform our world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 108: What's in the brain that ink may character written by William Shakespeare is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful piece of literature that explores the power of the written word and the human mind. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
The poem begins with the question, "What's in the brain that ink may character?" This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately introduces the idea of the power of the written word. The speaker is questioning what it is about the human mind that allows us to put our thoughts and ideas onto paper. The use of the word "character" is interesting, as it can refer to both the act of writing and the characters that are created through writing. This ambiguity sets the stage for the rest of the poem, as it explores the relationship between the mind and the written word.
The second line of the poem reads, "Which hath not figured to thee my true spirit?" Here, the speaker is addressing someone who has read their writing. The use of the word "figured" is significant, as it implies that the writer's true spirit has been captured in their writing. This line suggests that the written word has the power to convey the essence of a person's thoughts and feelings, even if they are not physically present.
The third and fourth lines of the poem read, "What's new to speak, what now to register, / That may express my love or thy dear merit?" Here, the speaker is questioning what new ideas or thoughts they can write about that will express their love or the merit of the person they are addressing. This is a common theme in Shakespeare's sonnets, as many of them are written to express the speaker's love for someone else. The use of the word "register" is interesting, as it implies that the act of writing is a way of recording something that is important.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem read, "Nothing, sweet boy, but yet, like prayers divine, / I must each day say o'er the very same." Here, the speaker is addressing the person they are writing to, calling them a "sweet boy." The use of the word "prayers" is significant, as it suggests that the act of writing is a form of worship or devotion. The speaker is saying that they must write about the same things each day, as if they are saying the same prayers over and over again.
The seventh and eighth lines of the poem read, "Counting no old thing old, thou mine, I thine, / Even as when first I hallowed thy fair name." Here, the speaker is expressing their love for the person they are addressing. The use of the word "hallowed" is significant, as it implies that the person's name is sacred to the speaker. The repetition of the word "mine" and "thine" suggests a mutual love between the two people.
The ninth and tenth lines of the poem read, "So that eternal love in love's fresh case, / Weighs not the dust and injury of age." Here, the speaker is saying that their love is eternal and will not be affected by the passage of time. The use of the word "fresh" is significant, as it implies that their love is always new and exciting. The phrase "weighs not the dust and injury of age" suggests that their love is not affected by the physical decay that comes with aging.
The eleventh and twelfth lines of the poem read, "Nor gives to necessary wrinkles place, / But makes antiquity for aye his page." Here, the speaker is saying that their love is not affected by the physical signs of aging, such as wrinkles. Instead, their love makes "antiquity" their page, suggesting that their love will be recorded and remembered for all time.
The final two lines of the poem read, "Finding the first conceit of love there bred, / Where time and outward form would show it dead." Here, the speaker is saying that their love is not affected by the passage of time or the physical changes that come with aging. Instead, their love is rooted in the "first conceit of love," suggesting that their love is pure and true.
In terms of structure, Sonnet 108 follows the traditional form of a Shakespearean sonnet. It consists of three quatrains and a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The use of iambic pentameter gives the poem a rhythmic quality, making it easy to read and remember.
In terms of language, Sonnet 108 is full of rich imagery and metaphors. The use of the word "character" in the first line is a metaphor for both the act of writing and the characters that are created through writing. The use of the word "figured" in the second line is a metaphor for capturing the essence of a person's thoughts and feelings through writing. The use of the word "register" in the third line is a metaphor for recording something that is important. The use of the word "prayers" in the fifth line is a metaphor for the act of writing as a form of worship or devotion. The use of the word "hallowed" in the seventh line is a metaphor for the sacredness of the person's name. The use of the word "fresh" in the ninth line is a metaphor for the eternal newness of their love. The use of the phrase "weighs not the dust and injury of age" in the tenth line is a metaphor for the immortality of their love. The use of the phrase "makes antiquity for aye his page" in the twelfth line is a metaphor for the recording and remembrance of their love for all time.
In conclusion, Sonnet 108: What's in the brain that ink may character written by William Shakespeare is a beautiful poem that explores the power of the written word and the human mind. It is a testament to the enduring nature of love and the ability of the written word to capture the essence of a person's thoughts and feelings. The rich imagery and metaphors used in the poem make it a joy to read and analyze, and its timeless themes ensure that it will continue to be studied and appreciated for generations to come.
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