'Sonnet 86: Was it the proud full sail of his great verse' by William Shakespeare


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Was it the proud full sail of his great verse,
Bound for the prize of all-too-precious you,
That did my ripe thoughts in my brain inhearse,
Making their tomb the womb wherein they grew?
Was it his spirit, by spirits taught to write
Above a mortal pitch, that struck me dead?
No, neither he, nor his compeers by night
Giving him aid, my verse astonishèd.
He nor that affable familiar ghost
Which nightly gulls him with intelligence,
As victors of my silence cannot boast;
I was not sick of any fear from thence.
But when your countenance filled up his line,
Then lacked I matter, that enfeebled mine.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 86: Was it the proud full sail of his great verse

William Shakespeare is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated poets in the English language. His works have stood the test of time and continue to captivate readers from all corners of the world. Among his most compelling pieces is the classic poem, Sonnet 86: Was it the proud full sail of his great verse. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we delve into the depths of this masterpiece, exploring its themes, context, and poetic devices.

Background

Sonnet 86 is part of Shakespeare's sonnet sequence, which comprises 154 poems. These sonnets were published in 1609, though they were probably written earlier. They explore themes of love, beauty, mortality, and the nature of poetry. Sonnet 86 is particularly notable for its focus on the poet's own writing and its relation to his beloved.

Summary

The poem opens with the speaker questioning the quality of his own writing compared to that of another poet, whom he refers to as "the other proud sail." He wonders whether his own verses are as "full" and "proud" as those of his rival. The speaker then goes on to describe the impact of the other poet's work on his beloved, suggesting that it has caused her to be "blinded" to his own writing.

In the final stanza, the speaker reflects on the power of poetry to shape our perceptions of the world around us. He acknowledges that his own verses may not be as "proud" or "full" as those of the other poet, but he insists that they are still true and sincere expressions of his own feelings.

Analysis

At the heart of Sonnet 86 is a reflection on the power of poetry and its ability to shape our perceptions of the world. The poem is framed as a comparison between the speaker's own writing and that of a rival poet. The speaker acknowledges that the other poet's work is more impressive in terms of its "full" and "proud" quality, but he also suggests that this quality may be somewhat superficial.

The speaker's concern with the impact of the other poet's work on his beloved is particularly intriguing. He suggests that her admiration for the other poet's writing has caused her to be "blinded" to his own work. This suggests a deep anxiety about the role of poetry in shaping our perceptions of reality. The speaker seems to be asking whether our love for a particular poet's work can blind us to the truth and sincerity of other voices.

The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful in its reflection on the nature of poetry. The speaker acknowledges that his own verses may not be as "proud" or "full" as those of the other poet, but he insists that they are still true and sincere expressions of his own feelings. This suggests a deep commitment to the authenticity of poetic expression, even in the face of competition and criticism.

Poetic Devices

Shakespeare employs a number of poetic devices in Sonnet 86 to convey his ideas and emotions. One of the most striking is the use of metaphor, particularly in the opening lines of the poem. The metaphor of the "proud full sail" suggests both the grandeur and the superficiality of the other poet's work. This sets up the central tension of the poem between the power of impressive poetry and the authenticity of personal expression.

Another key poetic device in the poem is the use of repetition. The phrase "blinded by her grace" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's anxiety about the impact of the other poet's work on his beloved. This repetition also highlights the power of poetry to shape our perceptions of reality.

Finally, the poem is characterized by Shakespeare's mastery of form and structure. The sonnet form itself, with its 14 lines and strict rhyme scheme, creates a sense of order and control that contrasts with the emotional turmoil of the speaker's thoughts. Shakespeare also employs a number of subtle structural techniques, such as the use of enjambment and caesura, to create a sense of rhythmic and emotional tension.

Interpretation

Sonnet 86 is a complex and powerful poem that explores a number of themes related to the nature of poetry and its impact on our perceptions of reality. At its core, the poem is a reflection on the tension between the power of impressive poetry and the authenticity of personal expression. The speaker's anxiety about the impact of the other poet's work on his beloved suggests a deep concern about the role of poetry in shaping our perceptions of reality.

At the same time, the poem is also a celebration of the power of personal expression. The speaker's insistence that his own verses are still true and sincere, even if they are not as impressive as those of his rival, suggests a deep commitment to the authenticity of poetic expression. This is a powerful message that has resonated with readers for centuries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sonnet 86 is a masterpiece of English poetry that continues to captivate readers today. Through its use of metaphor, repetition, and form, it explores complex themes related to the nature of poetry and its impact on our perceptions of reality. It is a powerful reflection on the tension between the power of impressive poetry and the authenticity of personal expression, and a celebration of the enduring power of true and sincere poetic expression. Shakespeare's genius shines through every line, making this a poem that deserves to be read and reread for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 86: Was it the proud full sail of his great verse, written by William Shakespeare, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. This sonnet is a part of Shakespeare's collection of 154 sonnets, which are considered to be some of the greatest works of English literature. In this article, we will analyze and explain the meaning and significance of Sonnet 86.

The sonnet begins with the question, "Was it the proud full sail of his great verse?" This line is a metaphor for the power and beauty of the poet's words. The "proud full sail" represents the poet's words, which are full of pride and power, and the "great verse" represents the poet's work as a whole. The question is directed towards the reader, asking them to consider the power of the poet's words.

The second line of the sonnet reads, "Bound for the prize of all too precious you." This line is a continuation of the metaphor of the "proud full sail." The "prize" represents the reader, who is the ultimate goal of the poet's work. The poet's words are directed towards the reader, and the reader is the one who will ultimately benefit from the poet's work.

The third and fourth lines of the sonnet read, "That did my ripe thoughts in my brain inhearse, / Making their tomb the womb wherein they grew?" These lines are a reflection of the poet's own experience. The poet is saying that the power of the poet's words has influenced his own thoughts and ideas. The poet's thoughts have been "inhearsed" or ingrained in his mind, and the poet's words have become the "tomb" or the foundation for his own ideas.

The fifth and sixth lines of the sonnet read, "Was it his spirit, by spirits taught to write / Above a mortal pitch, that struck me dead?" These lines are a reflection of the poet's admiration for the poet's work. The poet is saying that the power of the poet's words is so great that it is almost supernatural. The poet's work is so powerful that it has the ability to "strike" the reader "dead," or to leave them in awe.

The seventh and eighth lines of the sonnet read, "No, neither he, nor his compeers by night / Giving him aid, my verse astonished." These lines are a rejection of the idea that the poet's work is supernatural. The poet is saying that the power of the poet's words is not due to any supernatural force, but rather to the poet's own skill and talent. The poet's work is so powerful that it does not need any outside help to be astonishing.

The ninth and tenth lines of the sonnet read, "He, nor that affable familiar ghost / Which nightly gulls him with intelligence." These lines are a reference to the idea of a "familiar spirit," which was a common belief in Shakespeare's time. A familiar spirit was believed to be a supernatural being that assisted a person in their work. The poet is saying that the power of the poet's words is not due to any familiar spirit, but rather to the poet's own skill and talent.

The eleventh and twelfth lines of the sonnet read, "As victors of my silence cannot boast, / I was not sick of any fear from thence." These lines are a reflection of the poet's own confidence in his work. The poet is saying that the power of the poet's words is not due to any fear or weakness on his part, but rather to his own skill and talent.

The thirteenth and fourteenth lines of the sonnet read, "But when your countenance filled up his line, / Then lacked I matter, that enfeebled mine." These lines are a reflection of the poet's own admiration for the reader. The poet is saying that the power of the poet's words is due to the reader's own beauty and power. The poet's work is so powerful because it is directed towards the reader, who is the ultimate goal of the poet's work.

In conclusion, Sonnet 86: Was it the proud full sail of his great verse, written by William Shakespeare, is a masterpiece that reflects the power and beauty of the poet's words. The sonnet is a reflection of the poet's own admiration for his work, as well as his own confidence in his skill and talent. The sonnet is a testament to the power of language and the ability of words to inspire and move us. Shakespeare's sonnets continue to be some of the greatest works of English literature, and Sonnet 86 is no exception.

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