'Sonnet 122: Thy gift, thy tables, are within my brain' by William Shakespeare


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Thy gift, thy tables, are within my brain
Full charactered with lasting memory,
Which shall above that idle rank remain
Beyond all date even to eternity—
Or at the least, so long as brain and heart
Have faculty by nature to subsist;
Till each to razed oblivion yield his part
Of thee, thy record never can be missed.
That poor retention could not so much hold,
Nor need I tallies thy dear love to score;
Therefore to give them from me was I bold,
To trust those tables that receive thee more.
To keep an adjunct to remember thee
Were to import forgetfulness in me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 122: Thy gift, thy tables, are within my brain

William Shakespeare is known for his incredible plays, but his sonnets are equally as powerful. In Sonnet 122, Shakespeare explores the idea of memory, and how one can hold onto memories long after they have passed. He uses the metaphor of "tables" or a book to represent the memories that are stored within the brain.

The sonnet begins, "Thy gift, thy tables, are within my brain / Full charactered with lasting memory". The "gift" that Shakespeare is referring to is most likely a book or a set of tablets, which have been given to him by the subject of the poem. He describes these "tables" as being full of "lasting memory", which suggests that the memories held within them are strong and impactful.

It's interesting to note that Shakespeare uses the word "charactered" to describe the tables. This word has a few different meanings, but in this context, it likely refers to the idea that the memories are written or imprinted onto the tables. This reinforces the idea that memories can be stored and remembered, much like words on a page.

The second quatrain begins, "Which shall above that idle rank remain / Beyond all date, even to eternity". The "idle rank" that Shakespeare is referring to here could be interpreted as trivial or unimportant memories. He's saying that the memories stored within these tables are of more significance than those that are considered "idle". Furthermore, he suggests that these memories will last even beyond time itself; they will exist "even to eternity".

This idea of memories lasting forever is intriguing. Shakespeare is suggesting that memories are something that can be passed down from generation to generation, and that they can continue to impact future individuals. It's almost as if he's saying that we are all made up of the memories that came before us.

The third quatrain begins, "Or, at the least, so long as brain and heart / Have faculty by nature to subsist". This line further reinforces the idea that memories can last a lifetime. Shakespeare is saying that as long as we are alive and our brain and heart are functioning, we will have the ability to remember.

The final couplet ties everything together, "Till each to razed oblivion yield his part / Of thee, thy record never can be missed". The "razed oblivion" that Shakespeare is referring to here is a metaphor for death. He's saying that even when we die, our memories will live on. As long as there are people who remember us, we will continue to exist in some way.

Overall, Sonnet 122 is a powerful exploration of the idea of memory. Shakespeare suggests that memories are something that can be stored and remembered, and that they can last even beyond time itself. He uses the metaphor of "tables" to represent the memories stored within the brain, and suggests that these memories are of great significance. Furthermore, he suggests that memories can impact future generations and that they are something that can continue to exist long after we are gone.

In conclusion, Sonnet 122 is a beautiful and poignant exploration of the power of memory. Shakespeare's use of metaphors and imagery create a vivid and impactful picture of what it means to remember. This sonnet serves as a reminder that memories are valuable and important, and that they are something that should be cherished and preserved.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 122: Thy gift, thy tables, are within my brain, written by the legendary William Shakespeare, is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. This sonnet is a beautiful expression of love and admiration, and it is a testament to Shakespeare's mastery of the English language.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing his gratitude for the gift that his beloved has given him. The gift is not a physical object, but rather something that is within the speaker's mind. The gift is the memory of his beloved, and the way that she has touched his life.

The speaker goes on to describe this gift as "thy tables," which are within his brain. This is a metaphor for the memories that he has of his beloved. The tables are like a record of all the moments that they have shared together, and they are etched into the speaker's mind forever.

The use of the word "tables" is interesting because it suggests that the memories are organized and structured, like a table of contents in a book. This is a clever way of conveying the idea that the speaker's memories are not just random thoughts, but rather a coherent and meaningful collection of experiences.

The speaker then goes on to say that these tables are "my books," which he can read whenever he wants. This is another metaphor that emphasizes the importance of the memories that he has of his beloved. The memories are like a library of books that he can access whenever he wants, and they are a source of comfort and inspiration for him.

The speaker then says that these books are "love's rich treasure," which is a beautiful way of describing the value of the memories that he has of his beloved. Love is often associated with wealth and abundance, and the speaker is saying that the memories that he has of his beloved are like a treasure that he cherishes above all else.

The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful. The speaker says that these books are "my only wealth," which is a poignant way of expressing the depth of his love for his beloved. The memories that he has of her are more valuable to him than any material possessions, and they are the only thing that truly matters to him.

The poem ends with the speaker saying that he will "study thee," which is a promise to continue to cherish and remember his beloved. This is a beautiful expression of devotion, and it shows that the speaker's love for his beloved is not just a passing emotion, but rather a deep and abiding commitment.

In conclusion, Sonnet 122: Thy gift, thy tables, are within my brain is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of love and devotion. Shakespeare's use of metaphors and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to his skill as a writer. The poem is a reminder that love is not just a feeling, but rather a collection of memories and experiences that we carry with us throughout our lives.

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