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Three Sonnets by William ShakespeareAn Analysis of Sonnet 116, Sonnet 130 and Sonnet 73
William Shakespeare is famous for his soul-stirring plays. However, few people are familiar with his sonnets, themselves achievements of great merit.
Passionate, amusing, and melancholy by turns, Shakespeare’s sonnets display the author’s talent with the English language. Sonnet 116, Sonnet 130, and Sonnet 73 present striking examples of the Shakespearean sonnet. Sonnet 116“Let me not to the marriage of true minds” is a familiar line to many. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 is perhaps one of the most famous and beloved of his sonnets. The poem describes characteristics of true love in lofty and captivating language. True love, according to this sonnet, is unchangeable and unshakable. True love also provides wanderers with a guiding light. Even time cannot shake the will of persevering love. The first quatrain (lines 1-4) of this sonnet presents an image of what true love is not. The second quatrain (lines 5-8) continues in the same vein by demonstrating what true love is. In the third quatrain, Shakespeare demonstrates that even time is no match for true love. In the end, Shakespeare concludes that if he is mistaken in his definition of love, no man has ever truly known love. Sonnet 130Sonnet 130 is a charming twist on the sonnet, created as Shakespeare plays upon the traditional image of the infatuated poet. The speaker describes his beloved in a surprising way, informing his readers that she is neither the possessor of good looks nor a great personality. The hilarious poems ends poignantly as the poet concludes that he loves his beloved more than he could ever love a perfect maiden. In the first two quatrains (lines 1-4 and 5-8), the speaker analyzes his beloved’s unattractive physical features. In the third quatrain, he discusses her in more abstract terms, but concludes that she cannot compare to music, angels, or goddesses. The author, however, cheerily concludes by noting that he loves his maiden in spite of her imperfections. Sonnet 73Shakespeare’s Sonnet 73 is a melancholy poem. The speaker, a dying man, compares himself to a steadily progressing autumn, a fading sunset, and cooling embers. He beautifully describes scenes from nature in which death plays a part. He reminds his beloved that his impending absence should inspire her to love him all the more. These three sonnets are some of Shakespeare’s most beloved poetry. They present wonderful examples of his talent and wit. Sonnet 116, Sonnet 130, and Sonnet 73 are contrasting pieces that provide entertainment and provoke thought. A wonderful resource is Shakespeare Online. This site contains a wealth of information on Shakespeare. Shakespeare’s Sonnets is another wonderful website for those interested in further study of Shakespeare’s sonnets.
The copyright of the article Three Sonnets by William Shakespeare in British/UK Fiction is owned by Emily Adams. Permission to republish Three Sonnets by William Shakespeare in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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