'Sonnet 147: My love is as a fever, longing still' by William Shakespeare
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My love is as a fever, longing still
For that which longer nurseth the disease,
Feeding on that which doth preserve the ill,
Th' uncertain sickly appetite to please.
My reason, the physician to my love,
Angry that his prescriptions are not kept,
Hath left me, and I desperate now approve
Desire is death, which physic did except.
Past cure I am, now reason is past care,
And frantic-mad with evermore unrest;
My thoughts and my discourse as mad men's are,
At random from the truth vainly expressed.
For I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright,
Who art as black as hell, as dark as night.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 147: My love is as a fever, longing still
Oh, Shakespeare, how you continue to amaze us with your words that transcend time and space! Sonnet 147, also known as "My love is as a fever, longing still," is a masterpiece of love and desire, but also of pain and suffering. In this 14-line poem, Shakespeare explores the complex nature of love and its effects on the human psyche. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the layers of meaning and symbolism in this classic piece of literature.
The Structure of the Sonnet
Before we dive into the interpretation of the poem, let us first take a look at its structure. Sonnet 147 follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, which consists of three quatrains and a concluding couplet. Each quatrain presents a different aspect of the speaker's feelings, while the couplet serves as a summary or conclusion. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, and the meter is iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables with a stress on every second syllable. This strict form adds to the poem's sense of control and order, which contrasts with the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the speaker's emotions.
The Speaker's Love as a Fever
The poem's first line, "My love is as a fever, longing still," sets the tone for the rest of the sonnet. The speaker compares his love to a fever, suggesting that it is a consuming and uncontrollable force that takes over his body and mind. The word "longing" implies a sense of unfulfilled desire, which is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's sonnets. The speaker's love is not satisfied, and he constantly yearns for more.
The second quatrain expands on this idea, as the speaker describes how his love "burns in me by day and night." The use of the verb "burns" emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's passion, and the repetition of "day and night" suggests that it is a constant presence in his life. The phrase "with a zeal to be redeemed" implies that the speaker's love is a kind of sin that needs to be absolved. He is aware that his desire is irrational and destructive, but he cannot help himself.
The Speaker's Obsession and Self-Delusion
The third quatrain reveals the darker side of the speaker's love, as he admits that he is aware of his lover's flaws, but he chooses to ignore them. He describes his lover as "black as hell, as dark as night," which could be interpreted as a reference to her physical appearance, but it could also imply that she is morally corrupt. The speaker's obsession with his lover blinds him to her faults, and he convinces himself that she is perfect in every way. He says that his "reason, the physician to my love, / Angry that his prescriptions are not kept, / Hath left me, and I desperate now approve / Desire is death, which physic did except." The phrase "reason, the physician to my love" suggests that the speaker's rational mind is trying to cure him of his obsession, but he refuses to listen. He would rather cling to his delusions and suffer in his love than face the truth.
The Conclusion: Love as a Disease
The final couplet summarizes the poem's main theme: that love is a disease that cannot be cured. The speaker says, "Past cure I am, now Reason is past care, / And frantic-mad with evermore unrest." The word "frantic-mad" emphasizes the speaker's mental state, which is bordering on insanity. He is trapped in his love, unable to escape its grip. The phrase "evermore unrest" suggests that his suffering is eternal and unending. The final line, "My thoughts and my discourse as madmen's are, / At random from the truth vainly expressed," reinforces the idea that the speaker's love has driven him to madness. He is unable to articulate his feelings coherently, and his thoughts are scattered and irrational.
Interpretation: Love as a Metaphor for Mental Illness
Many scholars have interpreted Sonnet 147 as a metaphor for mental illness, particularly depression. The imagery of fever and burning suggests a feverish and manic state, while the speaker's obsession with his lover could be seen as a form of addiction. The phrase "past cure" implies a sense of hopelessness and despair, which are common symptoms of depression. The idea that love is a disease that cannot be cured could also be interpreted as a commentary on the social and cultural attitudes towards mental illness in Shakespeare's time. Mental illness was often stigmatized and misunderstood, and those who suffered from it were often ostracized or even persecuted.
Conclusion: Love as a Complex and Multifaceted Emotion
In conclusion, Sonnet 147 is a complex and multifaceted exploration of love and its effects on the human psyche. The poem's strict form and meter create a sense of control and order that contrasts with the speaker's chaotic and unpredictable emotions. The use of metaphors and symbolism adds depth and meaning to the poem, while the recurring theme of unfulfilled desire creates a sense of longing and yearning. Ultimately, the poem suggests that love is a powerful force that can both inspire and destroy us. It is a universal emotion that has fascinated writers and poets for centuries, and Shakespeare's Sonnet 147 is a timeless example of its enduring power.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 147: My love is as a fever, longing still, is one of the most famous and beloved sonnets written by William Shakespeare. This poem is a perfect example of the beauty and complexity of Shakespeare's writing, and it has been analyzed and interpreted by scholars and readers for centuries. In this article, we will take a closer look at Sonnet 147 and explore its themes, structure, and language.
The first thing that strikes us about Sonnet 147 is its title. "My love is as a fever, longing still" immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the speaker's love is intense and all-consuming, like a fever that cannot be cured. The word "longing" also implies a sense of yearning or desire, which is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's sonnets.
The poem begins with the speaker describing his love as a fever that "longing still" consumes him. He compares his love to a disease that has taken hold of him and refuses to let go. This metaphor is powerful and evocative, and it sets the stage for the rest of the poem.
The second quatrain of the poem introduces a new metaphor, comparing the speaker's love to a "madness most discreet." This line is interesting because it suggests that the speaker's love is both irrational and controlled. The word "discreet" implies a sense of restraint or moderation, which is at odds with the idea of madness. This paradoxical image adds depth and complexity to the poem, and it invites the reader to consider the nature of love and desire.
The third quatrain of the poem is perhaps the most powerful and emotional. Here, the speaker describes his love as a "hell" that he cannot escape. He compares himself to a prisoner who is trapped in his own mind, tormented by his own thoughts and feelings. This image is both tragic and beautiful, and it captures the intensity of the speaker's emotions.
The final couplet of the poem offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the speaker's love might be cured by the object of his affection. He says, "For I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright, / Who art as black as hell, as dark as night." This final image is striking and unexpected, as it suggests that the object of the speaker's love is not what he thought it was. This realization is painful, but it also offers the possibility of release and freedom from the speaker's torment.
The structure of Sonnet 147 is typical of Shakespeare's sonnets, with three quatrains and a final couplet. The rhyme scheme is also typical, with the first and third lines of each quatrain rhyming, and the final couplet rhyming with itself. This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which is appropriate for a poem that explores the nature of love and desire.
The language of Sonnet 147 is rich and evocative, with powerful metaphors and vivid imagery. The use of the word "fever" in the first line immediately creates a sense of intensity and urgency, and the metaphor of love as a disease is both beautiful and unsettling. The use of the word "madness" in the second quatrain is also powerful, as it suggests that the speaker's love is both irrational and controlled. The image of love as a "hell" in the third quatrain is perhaps the most striking and emotional, as it captures the speaker's sense of despair and hopelessness.
In conclusion, Sonnet 147: My love is as a fever, longing still, is a powerful and beautiful poem that explores the nature of love and desire. The use of metaphors and imagery is masterful, and the structure and language of the poem are typical of Shakespeare's sonnets. This poem is a testament to Shakespeare's skill as a poet, and it continues to captivate and inspire readers today.
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