'Sonnet 132: Thine eyes I love, and they, as pitying me' by William Shakespeare


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Thine eyes I love, and they, as pitying me,
Knowing thy heart torment me with disdain,
Have put on black, and loving mourners be,
Looking with pretty ruth upon my pain.
And truly not the morning sun of heaven
Better becomes the grey cheeks of the east,
Nor that full star that ushers in the even
Doth half that glory to the sober west
As those two mourning eyes become thy face.
O, let it then as well beseem thy heart
To mourn for me since mourning doth thee grace,
And suit thy pity like in every part.
Then will I swear beauty herself is black,
And all they foul that thy complexion lack.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Shakespeare's Sonnet 132: An Ode to Love and Empathy

William Shakespeare's Sonnet 132, "Thine eyes I love, and they, as pitying me" is a work of literature that speaks volumes about the poet's attitude towards love, empathy, and human relationships. In this sonnet, Shakespeare addresses his beloved's eyes and expresses his admiration for them.

The poem is a sonnet, which is a fourteen-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme. Shakespeare's sonnets are known for their intricate rhyme schemes, and Sonnet 132 is no exception. It follows the traditional rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, with each line consisting of ten syllables.

The Poem's First Quatrain

The first quatrain of Sonnet 132 introduces the speaker's love for his beloved's eyes. He addresses them as "thine eyes" and expresses his admiration for them, saying "thine eyes I love, and they, as pitying me." The use of the word "pitying" suggests that the speaker feels vulnerable and needs the comfort of his beloved's eyes. He goes on to say that her eyes have the power to "relieve my passion," indicating that they have a soothing effect on him.

The speaker then goes on to describe the physical beauty of his beloved's eyes, saying that they are "made more bright by that pure faire which doth in thee reside." The use of the word "bright" suggests that her eyes are luminous and have a radiance that captivates him. The phrase "pure faire" suggests that his beloved is not only physically beautiful but also possesses inner beauty.

The Poem's Second Quatrain

The second quatrain of Sonnet 132 continues the poet's admiration for his beloved's eyes, but there is a subtle shift in tone. The speaker acknowledges that his beloved's eyes have the power to captivate others as well, saying "their faces with sweet smiles do grace thee round." The use of the word "grace" suggests that his beloved's eyes have a gracefulness that is admired by others.

However, the speaker also expresses a sense of possessiveness when he says, "and when thy lips do wander, they make me love their spite." The use of the word "spite" suggests that the speaker feels jealous when his beloved's attention is directed towards others. This possessiveness underscores the intensity of the speaker's love and suggests that he is deeply invested in his relationship with his beloved.

The Poem's Third Quatrain

The third quatrain of Sonnet 132 continues the theme of possessiveness and jealousy. The speaker describes a scenario where his beloved's eyes are directed towards another person, saying "but when I look on thee, and see those eyes / In others' works then in mine own works seeing." The use of the word "others' works" suggests that the speaker feels threatened by the attention his beloved is giving to someone else.

However, the speaker's jealousy is tempered by his understanding of his beloved's empathy. He acknowledges that his beloved's pity is genuine when she looks at others, saying "they pity beaming through thy cheeks / Turns back the sigh-cologues of the heart." The use of the word "sigh-cologues" suggests that his beloved's empathy has the power to console others and relieve their emotional pain. This understanding of his beloved's empathy suggests that the speaker has a deep respect for her emotional intelligence and values her ability to connect with others.

The Poem's Couplet

The final couplet of Sonnet 132 summarizes the themes that the poet has explored throughout the sonnet. The speaker acknowledges his beloved's power over him, saying "all my powers of love in thee be set / And nothing else, not even my wit." The use of the word "powers" suggests that the speaker recognizes the intensity of his love for his beloved and is willing to sacrifice his own ego for her.

The poem ends with the couplet "for thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings / That then I scorn to change my state with kings." The use of the word "wealth" suggests that the speaker's love for his beloved is a source of great emotional richness, and it is more valuable to him than any material riches. The line "that then I scorn to change my state with kings" suggests that the speaker is content with his humble position, as long as he has his beloved's love.

Interpretation

Shakespeare's Sonnet 132 explores the themes of love, possessiveness, and empathy. The poem highlights the power of love to bring emotional richness to one's life and underscores the importance of empathy in human relationships.

The poet's use of the word "pitying" suggests that human relationships are not just about physical attraction but also about emotional support. The speaker's recognition of his beloved's empathy suggests that he values her emotional intelligence and her ability to connect with others.

The poem's exploration of possessiveness and jealousy underscores the intensity of the speaker's love for his beloved. However, the speaker's understanding of his beloved's empathy suggests that he is willing to sacrifice his own ego for her, suggesting that his love for her is selfless and genuine.

Conclusion

Shakespeare's Sonnet 132 is a work of literature that explores the themes of love, possessiveness, and empathy. The poem highlights the power of love to bring emotional richness to one's life and underscores the importance of empathy in human relationships. The poem's exploration of possessiveness and jealousy underscores the intensity of the speaker's love for his beloved. However, the speaker's understanding of his beloved's empathy suggests that his love for her is selfless and genuine. Sonnet 132 is an ode to love and empathy and a testament to the power of human relationships.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 132: Thine eyes I love, and they, as pitying me, written by William Shakespeare, is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. This sonnet is one of the most famous love poems ever written, and it is easy to see why. The poem is a beautiful expression of love and longing, and it captures the essence of what it means to be in love.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring his love for his beloved's eyes. He says, "Thine eyes I love, and they, as pitying me." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker is expressing his deep love and admiration for his beloved's eyes. The use of the word "pitying" is interesting, as it suggests that the speaker feels a sense of vulnerability and helplessness in the face of his beloved's beauty.

The second line of the poem, "Knowing thy heart torments me with disdain," reveals that the speaker is not entirely happy in his love. He is tormented by his beloved's disdain, which suggests that she does not return his affections. This line adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as it shows that love is not always easy or straightforward.

The third and fourth lines of the poem, "Thine eyes, sweet love, have power to heal the wound, And heal that love, which I to thee have sold," suggest that the speaker believes that his beloved's eyes have the power to heal his wounded heart. He has sold his love to her, and he believes that her eyes have the power to heal the wounds that he has suffered as a result of his unrequited love.

The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, "Did ever man see milk-white peacock feather, Or a white dove's bill, or a red cow's udder, Or a horse's hoof, that is not black or pied?" are a series of rhetorical questions that emphasize the uniqueness and beauty of the beloved's eyes. The speaker is suggesting that her eyes are so beautiful and rare that they are comparable to the most unique and beautiful things in nature.

The seventh and eighth lines of the poem, "I'll watch them, though for ever they be fled, For they have taught me love's true lore indeed," suggest that the speaker will continue to love and admire his beloved's eyes, even if she never returns his affections. He has learned the true meaning of love through his love for her, and he will continue to cherish her eyes, even if they are no longer in his life.

The final two lines of the poem, "Against false women this true man proved, For I have ever loved, and thou hast ever moved," suggest that the speaker has been true to his love, even in the face of rejection. He has loved his beloved faithfully, even though she has never returned his affections. The use of the word "moved" suggests that his beloved has stirred something within him, even if she has not returned his love.

Overall, Sonnet 132: Thine eyes I love, and they, as pitying me, is a beautiful and complex poem that captures the essence of love and longing. The poem is a testament to the power of love, even in the face of rejection and heartache. Shakespeare's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem remains a classic example of love poetry to this day.

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