'Sonnet 13: O, that you were your self! But, love, you are' by William Shakespeare


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O, that you were your self! But, love, you are
No longer yours than you yourself here live.
Against this coming end you should prepare,
And your sweet semblance to some other give.
So should that beauty which you hold in lease
Find no determination; then you were
Yourself again after yourself's decease,
When your sweet issue your sweet form should bear.
Who lets so fair a house fall to decay,
Which husbandry in honour might uphold
Against the stormy gusts of winter's day
And barren rage of death's eternal cold?
O, none but unthrifts! Dear my love, you know,
You had a father; let your son say so.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 13: O, that you were your self! But, love, you are written

William Shakespeare is known for his impeccable writing style, but his sonnets are truly a masterpiece. Sonnet 13, "O, that you were your self! But, love, you are written," is one that truly stands out. In this sonnet, Shakespeare explores the complexities of love and the struggles that come with it.

The first line of the sonnet, "O, that you were your self! But, love, you are written," immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Shakespeare is expressing his desire for his lover to be true to themselves, to be genuine and authentic. However, he understands the irony that their love is written, that it is a fabricated construct.

Throughout the poem, Shakespeare continues to explore this theme of authenticity versus constructed love. He speaks of the "book of love," which suggests that love is something that can be learned and studied, something that can be written down and followed. But then he questions, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" This famous line from another one of Shakespeare's sonnets highlights the limitations of language and written expression. Can love truly be captured in words?

The second stanza of the sonnet delves deeper into the struggles of love. Shakespeare speaks of the "weak witness" of the "winters of your age," implying that time can weaken and diminish love. He then goes on to question whether love can truly conquer all, asking whether it can "bear all alterations."

In the final two lines of the sonnet, Shakespeare brings it all together. He says, "But you have sworn against religion, / By what could I swear than I am that I am?" Here, he is questioning the authenticity of his lover's promises and whether she truly believes in them. He then questions what he can swear by, suggesting that even his own identity is not a reliable source of truth.

Overall, Sonnet 13 is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of love and the struggles that come with it. Shakespeare's use of language and imagery is masterful, and his ability to convey such complex emotions in just fourteen lines is truly remarkable.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 13: O, that you were your self! But, love, you are written by William Shakespeare is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a sonnet that is filled with passion, longing, and a deep sense of love. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and analyze its meaning, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing his desire for his lover to be true to himself. He wishes that his lover could be his authentic self, rather than being influenced by the expectations of society. The speaker longs for his lover to be free from the constraints of society and to be true to his own desires and passions.

The first quatrain of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the sonnet. The speaker begins by saying, "O, that you were your self!" This line is a direct address to the speaker's lover, expressing his desire for his lover to be true to himself. The use of the exclamation mark emphasizes the speaker's passion and longing for his lover to be authentic.

The second line of the quatrain, "But, love, you are," is a stark contrast to the first line. It acknowledges the reality that the speaker's lover is not his authentic self. The use of the word "love" in this line is significant because it shows that the speaker still loves his lover, despite his lack of authenticity.

The second quatrain of the poem delves deeper into the speaker's longing for his lover to be true to himself. The speaker says, "No, I am that I am, and they that level / At my abuses, reckon up their own." This line is a reference to the biblical phrase "I am that I am," which is used to describe God's self-existence and self-sufficiency. The speaker is saying that he is true to himself, and those who judge him for his actions are only revealing their own flaws and shortcomings.

The use of the word "level" in this line is significant because it suggests that the speaker's lover is being judged by society for not conforming to its expectations. The speaker is saying that this judgment is unfair and that his lover should be free to be his authentic self.

The third quatrain of the poem continues the theme of the speaker's longing for his lover to be true to himself. The speaker says, "Gentle thou art, and therefore to be won, / Beauteous thou art, therefore to be assailed." This line is a reference to the idea that those who are gentle and beautiful are often the most vulnerable to being taken advantage of.

The speaker is saying that his lover's gentleness and beauty make him vulnerable to the expectations of society. He is being "assailed" by these expectations, which are preventing him from being his authentic self.

The final couplet of the poem brings the sonnet to a close. The speaker says, "Nor fear the worst of wrongs, thou shalt not lose / What's mine, nor me, nor any of my due." This line is a reassurance to the speaker's lover that he will not lose the speaker's love or affection, even if he chooses to be his authentic self.

The use of the word "mine" in this line is significant because it shows that the speaker views his lover as his possession. However, the speaker is also saying that his lover will not lose him or any of his "due," which suggests that the speaker views their relationship as a partnership, rather than a possession.

In terms of structure, Sonnet 13 follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form. It consists of three quatrains and a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The use of iambic pentameter throughout the sonnet gives it a rhythmic and musical quality.

In terms of literary devices, Sonnet 13 makes use of several techniques to convey its meaning. The use of direct address in the first line of the poem emphasizes the speaker's passion and longing for his lover to be true to himself. The use of biblical allusion in the second quatrain adds depth and complexity to the poem's meaning.

The use of metaphor in the third quatrain, comparing the speaker's lover to someone who is vulnerable to being taken advantage of, adds a layer of emotional depth to the poem. Finally, the use of reassurance in the final couplet adds a sense of closure and resolution to the sonnet.

In conclusion, Sonnet 13: O, that you were your self! But, love, you are written by William Shakespeare is a classic poem that explores the theme of authenticity in love. The speaker longs for his lover to be true to himself, free from the constraints of society. The poem's structure and use of literary devices add depth and complexity to its meaning, making it a timeless work of art.

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