'Sonnet LXIX' by William Shakespeare
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Those parts of thee that the world's eye doth view
Want nothing that the thought of hearts can mend;
All tongues, the voice of souls, give thee that due,
Uttering bare truth, even so as foes commend.
Thy outward thus with outward praise is crown'd;
But those same tongues that give thee so thine own
In other accents do this praise confound
By seeing farther than the eye hath shown.
They look into the beauty of thy mind,
And that, in guess, they measure by thy deeds;
Then, churls, their thoughts, although their eyes were kind,
To thy fair flower add the rank smell of weeds:
But why thy odour matcheth not thy show,
The solve is this, that thou dost common grow.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet LXIX: A Masterpiece of Shakespearean Poetry
William Shakespeare is undoubtedly one of the most revered and celebrated poets in the world of literature. His works are considered to be the epitome of poetic excellence and have been studied, analyzed, and interpreted by countless scholars and enthusiasts over the centuries. One such work is Sonnet LXIX, a powerful and evocative piece of poetry that explores themes of love, desire, and the human psyche. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the intricacies of this sonnet, analyzing its language, structure, and meaning, and uncovering the underlying messages and emotions that Shakespeare so masterfully imbues into his work.
The Language of Desire
Sonnet LXIX is a prime example of Shakespeare's skill in using language to evoke strong emotions and convey complex ideas. The opening lines are a testament to this, as they immediately draw the reader in and set the tone for the rest of the poem:
Those parts of thee that the world's eye doth view Want nothing that the thought of hearts can mend
The use of the word "parts" in the first line is significant, as it refers not only to physical attributes but also to the intangible qualities that make up a person's character. This sets the stage for the exploration of desire and love that follows. The second line, meanwhile, emphasizes the idea that love cannot be satisfied by physical appearance alone. It is the "thought of hearts" that truly satisfies the desire for love and connection.
Shakespeare continues to use language to evoke strong emotions throughout the sonnet. One of the most striking examples of this is in the line:
But my five wits nor my five senses can Dissuade one foolish heart from serving thee,
Here, Shakespeare employs the phrase "five wits" to refer to the five senses, underscoring the idea that desire is not just a physical sensation, but also a mental and emotional one. The use of the word "foolish" in the same line adds a layer of complexity to the speaker's desire, suggesting that it is not entirely rational or logical.
The Structure of Love
Sonnet LXIX is written in the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, consisting of 14 lines divided into three quatrains and a final couplet. This structure is significant, as it allows Shakespeare to explore the theme of love and desire in a systematic and organized way.
In the first quatrain, Shakespeare introduces the concept of desire and the idea that it cannot be satisfied by physical attributes alone. This sets up the exploration of the speaker's inner conflict between desire and reason that follows.
In the second quatrain, the speaker acknowledges that they are unable to resist their desire for the object of their affection, despite their better judgment. This serves to deepen the emotional resonance of the sonnet, as the reader is able to empathize with the speaker's struggle.
The third quatrain introduces an element of self-reflection, as the speaker questions their own motives and desires. This adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as it suggests that the speaker's desire is not entirely pure or selfless.
Finally, in the couplet, Shakespeare resolves the tension between desire and reason by affirming the speaker's devotion to their beloved. This serves as a powerful conclusion to the sonnet, as it reinforces the idea that love and desire are complex and multifaceted emotions that cannot be easily resolved.
The Meaning of Desire
At its core, Sonnet LXIX is a meditation on the nature of desire and its relationship to love. Shakespeare explores the idea that desire is not just a physical sensation but also a mental and emotional one, and that it cannot be fully satisfied by physical attributes alone. Instead, true love requires a deeper connection based on shared values and a mutual understanding of each other's inner selves.
The sonnet also explores the tension between desire and reason, suggesting that love and desire are not always rational or logical. The speaker's inner conflict between their desire for their beloved and their better judgment is a testament to this, and underscores the complexity of human emotions.
Ultimately, Sonnet LXIX is a celebration of the power of love to overcome even the most irrational and foolish desires. It is a testament to Shakespeare's masterful use of language and structure to convey complex emotions and ideas, and serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring power of poetry to touch the human soul.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet LXIX by William Shakespeare: A Masterpiece of Love and Lust
William Shakespeare is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and his sonnets are considered to be some of the greatest works of literature in the English language. Among his 154 sonnets, Sonnet LXIX stands out as a masterpiece of love and lust. In this essay, we will analyze and explain the themes, structure, language, and imagery of this classic poem.
Themes
Sonnet LXIX is a love poem that explores the themes of desire, temptation, and betrayal. The speaker of the poem is consumed by his passion for a woman who is not his wife. He is torn between his love for her and his guilt for betraying his marital vows. The poem is a meditation on the nature of love and the consequences of giving in to our desires.
Structure
Sonnet LXIX follows the traditional structure of a Shakespearean sonnet, consisting of three quatrains and a final couplet. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, with ten syllables per line and a stress on every second syllable. The use of this meter gives the poem a musical quality and a sense of rhythm.
Language
The language of Sonnet LXIX is rich and complex, with a mix of metaphors, similes, and allusions. The poem is written in the language of courtly love, a tradition that was popular in medieval Europe. The speaker uses elaborate language to describe his beloved, comparing her to a goddess, a queen, and a saint. He also uses religious imagery to describe his guilt and his fear of damnation.
Imagery
The imagery of Sonnet LXIX is vivid and sensual, with a focus on the physical beauty of the beloved. The speaker describes her eyes as "two stars" and her lips as "red roses." He also uses the imagery of hunting to describe his pursuit of her, comparing himself to a falcon chasing its prey. The poem is full of contrasts between light and dark, heaven and hell, and love and lust.
Analysis
Let us now analyze each quatrain and the couplet of Sonnet LXIX in detail.
Quatrain 1
"When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes, I all alone beweep my outcast state, And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries, And look upon myself and curse my fate,"
The first quatrain sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker expressing his sense of isolation and despair. He feels that he is in disgrace with both fortune and society, and he is alone in his misery. He cries out to heaven, but his prayers go unanswered. He looks at himself and curses his fate, feeling that he is a victim of circumstances beyond his control.
Quatrain 2
"Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man's art and that man's scope, With what I most enjoy contented least;"
In the second quatrain, the speaker contrasts his own situation with that of a more fortunate man. He wishes that he had the same hope and friends as this man, and he envies his talents and opportunities. However, he also acknowledges that even if he had all these things, he would still not be content. He realizes that what he most enjoys is the love of his beloved, but this love is also the source of his pain.
Quatrain 3
"Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising, Haply I think on thee, and then my state, Like to the lark at break of day arising From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;"
In the third quatrain, the speaker admits that he sometimes despises himself for his weakness and his infidelity. However, when he thinks of his beloved, his mood changes. He compares himself to a lark that rises from the earth and sings hymns at heaven's gate. This image suggests that the speaker's love for his beloved is a source of spiritual upliftment and redemption.
Couplet
"For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings That then I scorn to change my state with kings."
The couplet of Sonnet LXIX is a declaration of the speaker's love for his beloved. He says that the memory of her love is so precious to him that he would not trade it for all the wealth and power of kings. This final statement is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of temptation and betrayal.
Conclusion
Sonnet LXIX is a masterpiece of love and lust, written by one of the greatest poets of all time. The poem explores the themes of desire, temptation, and betrayal, and it uses rich language and vivid imagery to convey the speaker's emotions. The structure of the poem is traditional, with three quatrains and a final couplet, and the use of iambic pentameter gives the poem a musical quality. Overall, Sonnet LXIX is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and move readers today.
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