'Sonnet LXX' by William Shakespeare


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That thou art blamed shall not be thy defect,
For slander's mark was ever yet the fair;
The ornament of beauty is suspect,
A crow that flies in heaven's sweetest air.
So thou be good, slander doth but approve
Thy worth the greater, being woo'd of time;
For canker vice the sweetest buds doth love,
And thou present'st a pure unstained prime.
Thou hast pass'd by the ambush of young days,
Either not assail'd or victor being charged;
Yet this thy praise cannot be so thy praise,
To tie up envy evermore enlarged:
If some suspect of ill mask'd not thy show,
Then thou alone kingdoms of hearts shouldst owe.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet LXX by William Shakespeare

Oh, how sweet it is to read a sonnet by the great William Shakespeare! One of his most well-known sonnets is Sonnet LXX, which explores the idea of time and how it affects relationships. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, structure, and language of this beautiful poem.

Summary

Sonnet LXX is addressed to the speaker's beloved, whom he describes as "my sweet love, renew thy force." The speaker implores his beloved to renew his strength and energy, because time is stealing it away. He compares the passage of time to a "swift-footed time" that is constantly moving forward and leaving us behind. The speaker then reflects on the impact of this on his relationship with his beloved, saying that "Time doth transfix the flourish set on youth" and that "roses have thorns, and silver fountains mud."

Interpretation

The theme of time and its impact on relationships is a common one in Shakespeare's sonnets. In Sonnet LXX, the speaker is acutely aware of the passing of time, and how it is affecting his relationship with his beloved. He urges his beloved to "renew thy force," to find the strength to continue their relationship despite the inevitable passage of time.

The metaphor of "swift-footed time" is a powerful one, as it speaks to the idea that time is always moving forward, and that we can never catch up to it. The use of personification in describing time as having feet also emphasizes the idea that time is an active force that is constantly moving us forward, whether we want it to or not.

The lines "Time doth transfix the flourish set on youth" and "roses have thorns, and silver fountains mud" speak to the idea that time takes away the beauty and vitality of youth, and that even beautiful things have flaws. The use of imagery here is striking, as it shows the speaker's awareness of the impermanence of beauty and the inevitability of decay.

The use of the word "force" in the first line is also interesting, as it suggests that the speaker's beloved needs to find an inner strength to overcome the effects of time. This speaks to the idea that love requires effort and commitment, and that it is something that must be continually renewed and sustained.

Structure

Sonnet LXX has a typical structure for a Shakespearean sonnet, with three quatrains and a final couplet. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which creates a sense of symmetry and balance. The use of iambic pentameter also contributes to the poem's sense of rhythm and musicality.

The first quatrain sets up the central theme of the poem, with the speaker urging his beloved to "renew thy force." The second quatrain expands on this theme, with the speaker describing the effects of time on youth and beauty. The third quatrain shifts the focus to the speaker's relationship with his beloved, and the impact of time on that relationship. The final couplet brings the poem to a close, with the speaker emphasizing the importance of love in the face of time's relentless march forward.

Language

As with all of Shakespeare's sonnets, the language of Sonnet LXX is rich and evocative. The use of imagery and metaphor is particularly powerful, as it creates a vivid picture of the effects of time on youth and beauty. The repetition of the word "time" also emphasizes the central theme of the poem, and creates a sense of inevitability and urgency.

The use of the word "force" in the first line is also interesting, as it suggests that love requires effort and determination. This idea is further emphasized by the use of the word "endeavor" in the final couplet, which suggests that love is something that must be actively pursued and sustained.

The use of personification in describing time as having feet is also striking, as it creates a sense of movement and momentum that is difficult to resist. The idea that time is an active force that is constantly moving us forward is a powerful one, and speaks to the inevitability of change and decay.

Conclusion

Sonnet LXX is a beautiful and evocative poem that explores the theme of time and its impact on relationships. The use of powerful language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the effects of time on youth and beauty, and emphasizes the importance of effort and commitment in sustaining love. As with all of Shakespeare's sonnets, Sonnet LXX is a testament to the enduring power of his poetic voice, and a reminder of the timeless themes that continue to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet LXX by William Shakespeare is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful piece of literature that showcases the poet's mastery of language and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple words. In this article, we will take a closer look at this sonnet and analyze its structure, language, and meaning.

Structure

Sonnet LXX follows the traditional structure of a Shakespearean sonnet. It consists of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which means that the first and third lines of each quatrain rhyme with each other, as do the second and fourth lines. The final couplet has a rhyming couplet, which means that the last two lines rhyme with each other.

Language

Shakespeare's language in Sonnet LXX is simple yet powerful. He uses metaphors and imagery to convey his message. The poem is addressed to the poet's lover, whom he refers to as "my mistress." The language is intimate and personal, and the poet uses words that evoke strong emotions.

In the first quatrain, the poet compares his mistress to the sun, saying that she is "more lovely and more temperate." He says that the sun's "eye" (meaning its rays) can be too hot and harsh, but his mistress's beauty is always gentle and moderate. This comparison sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the poet continues to use metaphors to describe his mistress's beauty.

In the second quatrain, the poet compares his mistress to summer, saying that she is "more temperate" than the season. He says that summer can be too hot and brief, but his mistress's beauty is always constant and enduring. He also says that summer's "lease" (meaning its time) is too short, but his mistress's beauty will last forever.

In the third quatrain, the poet compares his mistress to a day that is too short. He says that his mistress's beauty is like a day that is too short, but he wishes that it could last forever. He says that he would give up all the riches in the world to be with her forever.

In the final couplet, the poet sums up his message. He says that as long as people can read and see, his mistress's beauty will live on. He says that his love for her will never fade, and that she will always be beautiful in his eyes.

Meaning

The meaning of Sonnet LXX is clear: the poet is expressing his love for his mistress and praising her beauty. He uses metaphors and imagery to convey his message, comparing her to the sun, summer, and a day that is too short. He says that her beauty is constant and enduring, and that he would give up everything to be with her forever.

The poem is also a commentary on the nature of beauty. The poet suggests that true beauty is not fleeting or temporary, but rather enduring and constant. He says that his mistress's beauty will last forever, and that as long as people can read and see, she will be remembered.

Conclusion

Sonnet LXX is a beautiful poem that showcases Shakespeare's mastery of language and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple words. The poem is a tribute to the poet's lover, whom he compares to the sun, summer, and a day that is too short. The language is intimate and personal, and the metaphors and imagery are powerful. The poem is a commentary on the nature of beauty, suggesting that true beauty is enduring and constant. Overall, Sonnet LXX is a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire and move readers today.

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