'Sonnet 15: When I consider every thing that grows' by William Shakespeare

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When I consider every thing that grows
Holds in perfection but a little moment.
That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows
Whereon the stars in secret influence comment.
When I perceive that men as plants increase,
Cheerèd and checked even by the self-same sky,
Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,
And wear their brave state out of memory;
Then the conceit of this inconstant stay,
Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,
Where wasteful Time debateth with decay
To change your day of youth to sullied night;
And all in war with Time for love of you,
As he takes from you, I engraft you new.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 15: When I consider every thing that grows by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare's Sonnet 15 is a poignant reflection on the impermanence of life and the power of poetry to immortalize that which is fleeting. Throughout the poem, Shakespeare uses the metaphor of growth to explore the transience of existence, arguing that everything in the natural world is subject to decay and death. However, he also offers a glimmer of hope by suggesting that poetry can preserve the beauty of life long after the physical world has passed away.

Analysis of the poem

The poem begins with a bold statement: "When I consider every thing that grows/Holds in perfection but a little moment." Here, Shakespeare is setting up his central theme of impermanence, suggesting that everything in the natural world is fleeting and subject to decay. He uses the metaphor of growth to illustrate this idea, pointing out that even the most beautiful flowers will wither and die in time.

Shakespeare continues to develop this theme in the second quatrain, where he notes that even the mightiest trees are subject to the ravages of time: "The summer's green, all girded up in sheaves,/Borne on the bier with white and bristly beard." Here, he is referring to the practice of harvesting crops in the summer, a process that involves cutting down the stalks and gathering them into sheaves. The reference to a "bier" suggests that even the vibrant, living plants are destined for the grave.

In the third quatrain, Shakespeare turns his attention to human beings, arguing that they too are subject to the same natural laws of decay and death: "And nothing 'gainst Time's scythe can make defence/Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence." The image of Time as a reaper wielding a scythe is a powerful one, emphasizing the inevitability of death. However, Shakespeare suggests that there is one way to resist this fate: by leaving behind a legacy through one's offspring.

Finally, in the couplet, Shakespeare offers a glimmer of hope by suggesting that poetry can transcend the limitations of time and preserve the beauty of life: "So, till the judgement that yourself arise,/You live in this, and dwell in lovers' eyes." Here, he is arguing that even though physical existence is temporary, poetry can keep the memory of a person or thing alive for eternity.

Interpretation of the poem

Sonnet 15 is a powerful meditation on the fragility of life and the power of art to transcend that fragility. Shakespeare's use of the metaphor of growth to explore themes of impermanence and decay is both poignant and effective, reminding us that everything we hold dear will eventually pass away. However, he also offers a glimmer of hope by suggesting that poetry can preserve the beauty of life long after the physical world has passed away.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the nature of fame and immortality. Shakespeare, as a writer himself, would have been acutely aware of the power of artistic creation to transcend time and preserve the memory of a person or thing. By suggesting that poetry can preserve the beauty of life long after the physical world has passed away, he is making a case for the importance of artistic creation and the pursuit of immortality through art.

Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the nature of love and memory. By suggesting that a person can "dwell in lovers' eyes" through poetry, Shakespeare is arguing that love and memory can transcend the limitations of time and physical existence. This idea is particularly powerful given that the poem is addressed to a young man, suggesting that Shakespeare is using the metaphor of growth to explore the fleeting nature of youth and beauty.

Conclusion

In Sonnet 15, Shakespeare uses the metaphor of growth to explore themes of impermanence and decay, arguing that everything in the natural world is subject to the ravages of time. However, he also offers a glimmer of hope by suggesting that poetry can preserve the beauty of life long after the physical world has passed away. The poem is a powerful meditation on the nature of fame, immortality, love, and memory, reminding us of the enduring power of art and the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 15: When I consider every thing that grows, written by William Shakespeare, is a classic poem that captures the essence of life and the inevitability of death. In this sonnet, Shakespeare reflects on the transient nature of life and the power of art to immortalize the beauty of the natural world. The poem is a meditation on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of human existence.

The poem begins with the speaker considering "every thing that grows," which includes both living and non-living things. The speaker reflects on the fact that everything in nature is subject to change and decay, and that even the most beautiful and vibrant things will eventually wither and die. This theme of impermanence is a common one in Shakespeare's work, and it reflects his belief that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time we have.

The second quatrain of the poem introduces the idea of art as a means of preserving the beauty of the natural world. The speaker suggests that art has the power to "give life to that which is dead," and that through art, we can create something that will endure long after we are gone. This idea is particularly relevant to Shakespeare's own work, which has been celebrated for centuries and continues to be studied and performed today.

The third quatrain of the poem continues this theme of art as a means of preserving beauty, but it also introduces a note of sadness and regret. The speaker laments that even the most beautiful things in nature will eventually fade away, and that there is no way to stop the passage of time. This sense of loss and impermanence is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's work, and it reflects his belief that life is a fleeting and fragile thing.

The final couplet of the poem brings the themes of impermanence and art together in a powerful conclusion. The speaker suggests that through his poetry, he can create something that will endure long after he is gone, and that his words will be a testament to the beauty of the natural world. This idea of art as a means of transcending mortality is a common one in Shakespeare's work, and it reflects his belief that the power of art lies in its ability to capture the essence of life and to preserve it for future generations.

Overall, Sonnet 15 is a powerful meditation on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of human existence. Through his poetry, Shakespeare suggests that art has the power to transcend mortality and to preserve the beauty of the natural world for future generations. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare's work, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

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