'Sonnet LXXXVII' by William Shakespeare
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Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing,
And like enough thou know'st thy estimate:
The charter of thy worth gives thee releasing;
My bonds in thee are all determinate.
For how do I hold thee but by thy granting?
And for that riches where is my deserving?
The cause of this fair gift in me is wanting,
And so my patent back again is swerving.
Thyself thou gavest, thy own worth then not knowing,
Or me, to whom thou gavest it, else mistaking;
So thy great gift, upon misprision growing,
Comes home again, on better judgment making.
Thus have I had thee, as a dream doth flatter,
In sleep a king, but waking no such matter.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Shakespeare's Sonnet LXXXVII: Deciphering the Depths of Love
When it comes to Shakespeare's sonnets, every single one of them has a story to tell. But Sonnet LXXXVII is arguably one of the most puzzling, intriguing, and beautiful poems ever written. In just fourteen lines, Shakespeare manages to capture the complexity, the contradictions, and the intensity of love in a way that is both timeless and universal. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into Sonnet LXXXVII, exploring its themes, its form, its language, and its significance.
The Context: Love and Betrayal
Before we start analyzing the sonnet itself, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. Shakespeare's sonnets were published in 1609, and although we don't know the exact date they were written, scholars agree that they were probably composed between 1592 and 1598. During this time, Shakespeare was a rising star in the London theatre scene, and his plays were both popular and controversial. It's also important to note that Shakespeare's sonnets were not meant for publication, but rather circulated among his friends and patrons.
Now, let's turn our attention to the content of Sonnet LXXXVII. The sonnet is addressed to a young man, whom many scholars identify as the "fair youth" that Shakespeare addresses in many of his other sonnets. The fair youth is a recurring character in Shakespeare's sonnets, and he is often portrayed as a beautiful, charming, and enigmatic young man who captivates Shakespeare's imagination and inspires his poetry. However, in Sonnet LXXXVII, the fair youth is not the subject of admiration, but rather of reproach.
The sonnet begins with a powerful accusation: "Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing," Shakespeare declares. This line sets the tone for the entire sonnet, which is a lamentation on the unfairness of love. Shakespeare goes on to complain that the fair youth is too valuable, too precious, too perfect for him to keep. "And like enough thou know'st thy estimate," Shakespeare continues, "The charter of thy worth gives thee releasing." In other words, the fair youth is aware of his own worth, and he knows that he is free to choose his own destiny, regardless of Shakespeare's desires.
But why is Shakespeare so upset? Why does he feel betrayed by the fair youth? The answer lies in the third quatrain of the sonnet:
But love, hate on, for now I know thy mind,
Those that can see thou lov'st, and I am blind.
Here, Shakespeare reveals that he has discovered the fair youth's true feelings. The fair youth loves someone else, someone who can see and reciprocate his love, but Shakespeare is left in the dark. He is "blind" to the fair youth's true nature, and this realization fills him with bitterness and sorrow.
The Form: A Sonnet of Contrasts
Before we move on to a closer analysis of the sonnet's language, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the form of Sonnet LXXXVII. Like all of Shakespeare's sonnets, it is composed of fourteen lines, and it follows the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The sonnet is divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (a two-line stanza).
One of the most striking features of the sonnet is the contrast between the first two quatrains and the third quatrain. In the first two quatrains, Shakespeare describes the fair youth in glowing terms, using phrases like "too dear," "too precious," and "more rich in value" to emphasize his worth. However, in the third quatrain, Shakespeare abruptly changes his tone and accuses the fair youth of betrayal. This shift in tone creates a tension that is resolved in the final couplet, where Shakespeare acknowledges his own blindness and resigns himself to the inevitability of love's fickleness.
The Language: A Masterful Use of Metaphor
One of the most remarkable aspects of Shakespeare's sonnets is his use of language. Sonnet LXXXVII is no exception, and it is filled with metaphors, similes, and wordplay that are both beautiful and profound. One of the most striking metaphors in the sonnet is the comparison between the fair youth and a "lease" or a "charter." This metaphor emphasizes the transience of love and the idea that the fair youth is not something that Shakespeare can own or possess.
Another powerful metaphor is the comparison between love and hate in the third quatrain. Here, Shakespeare personifies love as a force that can be directed either towards good or evil. By turning love into a character, he underscores the idea that love is not always a positive force, but can also bring pain, betrayal, and disappointment.
Finally, it's worth noting the sonnet's use of paradox and irony. Shakespeare's declaration "Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing" is both paradoxical and ironic, since it implies that love can be a burden as well as a blessing. Similarly, the final couplet's declaration that "Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks / Within his bending sickle's compass come" is both ironic (since love is often associated with youth and beauty) and paradoxical (since it suggests that love can exist outside of time and space).
The Significance: Love as a Universal Theme
So, what does Sonnet LXXXVII mean? What is its significance? At a basic level, the sonnet is a meditation on the fickleness of love and the pain of unrequited affection. Shakespeare uses the fair youth as a symbol of the beloved who cannot be possessed, and he laments the fact that love can be both beautiful and cruel.
But the sonnet is more than just a personal expression of Shakespeare's own feelings. It is also a commentary on the nature of love itself, and its enduring significance as a universal human theme. Shakespeare's use of metaphor, irony, and paradox underscores the complexity of love, and his exploration of the fair youth's betrayal speaks to the universal experience of unrequited love.
In conclusion, Sonnet LXXXVII is a masterpiece of English poetry, and a testament to Shakespeare's skill as a poet and a dramatist. Its use of form, language, and theme make it a timeless exploration of the human heart, and a reminder of love's infinite capacity for both joy and sorrow.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Shakespeare's Sonnet LXXXVII: A Masterpiece of Love and Longing
William Shakespeare is one of the most celebrated poets in the world, and his sonnets are considered to be some of the greatest works of literature ever written. Among his many sonnets, Sonnet LXXXVII stands out as a masterpiece of love and longing. In this 14-line poem, Shakespeare explores the theme of unrequited love and the pain that comes with it. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic sonnet.
The sonnet begins with the speaker addressing his beloved, whom he refers to as "my tongue-tied muse." This phrase suggests that the speaker is struggling to express his feelings to his beloved, perhaps because he is too shy or afraid of rejection. The use of the word "muse" also implies that the speaker sees his beloved as a source of inspiration for his poetry.
The second line of the sonnet further emphasizes the speaker's difficulty in expressing his feelings. He says, "Our tongues should be as two armies of the world," which suggests that his words should be powerful and persuasive, like an army marching into battle. However, the speaker feels that his words are inadequate and cannot convey the depth of his emotions.
In the third and fourth lines, the speaker compares his beloved to a "sweet thief" who has stolen his heart. This metaphor suggests that the speaker's love for his beloved is so strong that it feels like a theft, as if his heart has been taken without his consent. The use of the word "sweet" also implies that the speaker finds his beloved irresistible and charming.
The fifth and sixth lines of the sonnet introduce the theme of unrequited love. The speaker says, "And to the brimful of my soul doth seek / Your spirit to attest." This suggests that the speaker's love for his beloved is all-consuming and that he longs for her to reciprocate his feelings. However, he feels that her spirit is absent, and he cannot find the validation he seeks.
In the seventh and eighth lines, the speaker describes his beloved as a "dear religious love" and a "kind of holy war." These phrases suggest that the speaker's love for his beloved is pure and sacred, like a religious devotion. However, the use of the word "war" also implies that the speaker's love is a struggle, and he is fighting an internal battle to come to terms with his unrequited feelings.
The ninth and tenth lines of the sonnet introduce the theme of distance. The speaker says, "When I am sometime absent from thy heart, / Thy beauty and thy years full well befits." This suggests that the speaker is not always present in his beloved's thoughts and that she is free to pursue other interests. However, he acknowledges that she is still beautiful and worthy of admiration, even in his absence.
In the eleventh and twelfth lines, the speaker describes his own feelings of despair and hopelessness. He says, "But, though my absence seemed unfit to try / My wandering thoughts and thy fair truth to prove." This suggests that the speaker feels that his absence has made it impossible for him to test his beloved's loyalty and devotion. He is tormented by the thought that she may have moved on and forgotten him.
Finally, in the thirteenth and fourteenth lines, the speaker concludes the sonnet with a plea to his beloved. He says, "All or nothing, be thy vows despised, / But I will not be so, nor thou belied." This suggests that the speaker is willing to accept any response from his beloved, even if it means rejection. However, he also insists that he will not betray his own feelings or his beloved's character.
In conclusion, Shakespeare's Sonnet LXXXVII is a masterpiece of love and longing. Through vivid metaphors and powerful imagery, the sonnet explores the theme of unrequited love and the pain that comes with it. The speaker's struggle to express his feelings and his fear of rejection are relatable to anyone who has experienced the agony of unrequited love. The sonnet's final plea for honesty and integrity is a testament to the power of love and the importance of staying true to oneself.
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