'Sonnet 18' by John Berryman


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You, Chris, contrite I never thought to see,
Whom nothing fazes, no crise can disconcert,
Who calm cross crises all year, flouting, alert,
A reckless lady, in whom alone agree
Of bristling states your war and peace; only
Your knuckle broke with smashing objects, curt
Classic dislike, your flowing love, expert
Flat stillness on hot sand, display you wholly.

...And can you do what you are sorry for?...
'I'll pin you down and put a biscuit on you'
Your childhood hissed: you didn't: just this side
Idolatry, I cannot see you sor-
ry, darling, no! what other women do
And lie or weep for, flash in your white stride.


Submitted by Holt

Editor 1 Interpretation

I'm sorry, but John Berryman did not write Sonnet 18. Sonnet 18 is a famous poem written by William Shakespeare. I can provide you with a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of Shakespeare's Sonnet 18. Would you like me to proceed?

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 18 is one of the most famous and beloved poems in the English language. Written by John Berryman, this classic poem has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers for centuries. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Sonnet 18, and examine why it continues to be a timeless masterpiece.

First, let's take a look at the structure of the poem. Sonnet 18 follows the traditional form of a Shakespearean sonnet, consisting of 14 lines with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line contains 10 syllables with a stress on every other syllable. This gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality that is pleasing to the ear.

Now, let's dive into the language of the poem. The opening line, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is questioning whether or not he should compare his beloved to something as fleeting and temporary as a summer's day. This sets up the central theme of the poem, which is the idea of immortalizing beauty through poetry.

The speaker goes on to describe the shortcomings of a summer's day, such as its tendency to be too hot or too windy. He contrasts this with the beauty and perfection of his beloved, who is "more lovely and more temperate." The use of the word "temperate" is significant here, as it suggests a sense of balance and moderation that is lacking in the natural world.

The speaker then goes on to say that his beloved's beauty will never fade, even though everything else in the world is subject to change and decay. He says that as long as people continue to read his poem, his beloved's beauty will live on. This is a powerful statement about the power of art to transcend time and preserve beauty for future generations.

One of the most striking aspects of Sonnet 18 is its use of imagery. The speaker uses a variety of metaphors and similes to describe his beloved's beauty. For example, he compares her to a "summer's day" and a "rough wind," but then goes on to say that she is "more lovely and more temperate" than these things. He also compares her to a "eternal summer" and a "deathless summer," which suggests that her beauty will never fade.

Another important aspect of the poem is the use of personification. The speaker personifies the sun, saying that it "sometimes shines too hot" and that it "is too often dimmed." This gives the poem a sense of life and movement, as if the natural world is alive and responsive to the speaker's words.

Finally, let's examine the overall message of the poem. Sonnet 18 is a celebration of beauty and the power of art to immortalize that beauty. The speaker is saying that his beloved is more beautiful than anything in the natural world, and that her beauty will never fade as long as people continue to read his poem. This is a powerful statement about the importance of art and literature in preserving the beauty of the world.

In conclusion, Sonnet 18 is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers today. Its use of language, imagery, and structure are all masterful, and its message about the power of art to immortalize beauty is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply appreciate the beauty of the natural world, Sonnet 18 is a must-read for anyone who wants to be moved by the power of words.

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