'Sonnet 107: Not mine own fears, nor the prophetic soul' by William Shakespeare


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Not mine own fears, nor the prophetic soul
Of the wide world, dreaming on things to come
Can yet the lease of my true love control,
Supposed as forfeit to a confined doom.
The mortal moon hath her eclipse endured,
And the sad augurs mock their own presage;
Incertainties now crown themselves assured,
And peace proclaims olives of endless age.
Now with the drops of this most balmy time
My love looks fresh, and Death to me subscribes,
Since spite of him I'll live in this poor rhyme,
While he insults o'er dull and speechless tribes;
And thou in this shalt find thy monument,
When tyrants' crests and tombs of brass are spent.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 107: Not mine own fears, nor the prophetic soul

William Shakespeare is a literary giant that has stood the test of time for centuries. He is an author that has influenced the world with his plays and sonnets, making him a figure that has become a household name. Among his sonnets is Sonnet 107, which is an impressive work of art that deserves closer scrutiny. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem more deeply, examining its themes, structure, and language.

Summary of the Poem

Sonnet 107 is a love poem addressed to a mysterious figure. The poem explores the speaker's feelings of insecurity in his relationship with this person, as well as his hopes for their future. The speaker seems to be struggling with his own fears and doubts, as well as the possibility of a prophetic warning from his soul. However, he ultimately decides to trust in his love for this person, and believes that they will be able to overcome any obstacles that come their way.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes of Sonnet 107 is love. The speaker is deeply in love with the person he is addressing, and this love is the driving force behind the poem. The speaker's love is not without its challenges, however, as he struggles with his own insecurities and doubts. The poem explores the idea that love can be a powerful force, but that it is not always easy or straightforward.

Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea of trust. The speaker is ultimately able to overcome his fears and doubts by trusting in his love for the other person. This theme is closely related to the theme of love, as love and trust often go hand in hand. The poem suggests that trust is essential in any successful relationship, and that it is something that must be actively cultivated.

Structure

Sonnet 107 is a traditional Shakespearean sonnet, which means that it is composed of fourteen lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter in English poetry. The rhyme scheme of the sonnet is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which means that the first and third lines of each quatrain rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines of each quatrain. The final couplet is a rhyming couplet, which provides a sense of closure to the poem.

Language

One of the most striking features of Sonnet 107 is its use of language. Shakespeare's language is often challenging for modern readers, but it is also incredibly beautiful and poetic. In this sonnet, Shakespeare uses a variety of literary devices to create a sense of depth and emotion.

One of the most notable literary devices used in the poem is personification. The speaker personifies his own fears and doubts, as well as his prophetic soul. This device allows the speaker to explore his own feelings in a more abstract and poetic way.

Shakespeare also uses imagery to great effect in the sonnet. For example, in the second quatrain, he compares the person he loves to the sun, saying that their "beauty will be black when mine is white." This image of the sun and its changing colors is a powerful metaphor for the changes that can occur in a relationship over time.

Interpretation

Sonnet 107 is a complex and multifaceted poem that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. One possible interpretation is that the poem is about the power of love to overcome fear and doubt. The speaker is struggling with his own insecurities, but ultimately decides to trust in his love for the other person. This interpretation emphasizes the importance of trust in any successful relationship.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the inevitability of change. The image of the sun changing colors suggests that everything in life is subject to change, including relationships. This interpretation suggests that the speaker is aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but is willing to face them head on.

Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a reflection on the nature of prophecy. The speaker's prophetic soul suggests that he is able to see into the future, but is unsure of what he sees. This interpretation suggests that the future is always uncertain, and that it is up to us to create our own destiny through our choices and actions.

Conclusion

Sonnet 107 is a beautiful and complex work of poetry that explores themes of love, trust, and the inevitability of change. Through its use of language and literary devices, the poem creates a sense of depth and emotion that is both powerful and moving. Whether interpreted as a commentary on love, a reflection on the nature of prophecy, or a meditation on the inevitability of change, Sonnet 107 remains a timeless work of art that continues to inspire readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 107: Not mine own fears, nor the prophetic soul is a classic poem written by the legendary playwright and poet, William Shakespeare. This sonnet is a part of his collection of 154 sonnets, which were published in 1609. Sonnet 107 is a beautiful piece of literature that explores the themes of love, time, and mortality. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line, "Not mine own fears, nor the prophetic soul." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is not afraid of anything, not even the future. The speaker is confident and sure of himself, and he is not afraid of what may come.

The next line, "Of the wide world dreaming on things to come," suggests that the speaker is aware of the world around him and the things that are happening. He is not living in a bubble, but he is aware of the changes that are taking place in the world. The phrase "dreaming on things to come" suggests that the speaker is looking forward to the future, and he is excited about what it may bring.

The third line, "For nothing this wide universe I call," suggests that the speaker does not consider anything in the universe to be of great importance. He is not attached to material possessions or worldly pleasures. Instead, he is focused on something deeper and more meaningful.

The fourth line, "Save thou, my rose; in it thou art my all," is where the poem takes a romantic turn. The speaker is addressing his lover, whom he refers to as his "rose." The rose is a symbol of love and beauty, and the speaker is saying that his lover is everything to him. He is willing to give up everything else in the world for her.

The fifth line, "And when thou art gone, all the world is bare," suggests that the speaker's world revolves around his lover. Without her, everything else in the world loses its meaning. She is the center of his universe, and he cannot imagine life without her.

The sixth line, "Which of thy ribs, and of thy bones, doth grow," is a reference to the biblical story of Adam and Eve. In the story, Eve is created from one of Adam's ribs. The speaker is saying that his lover is a part of him, just as Eve was a part of Adam. They are connected on a deep, spiritual level.

The seventh line, "And, to my self, am dearer than a friend," suggests that the speaker values his relationship with his lover more than any other relationship in his life. He is closer to her than he is to his friends, and he cherishes her more than anything else in the world.

The eighth line, "For love is still most precious in itself," is a powerful statement about the nature of love. Love is valuable in and of itself, regardless of what it may bring or what it may cost. The speaker is saying that his love for his lover is priceless, and he would do anything to keep it alive.

The ninth line, "And, in his worth, scarce is his excellence," suggests that the speaker's love for his lover is so great that it is difficult to measure or quantify. It is beyond compare, and it is the most valuable thing in his life.

The final line, "Then, dear my love, mine own self-praise defer," is a humble statement from the speaker. He is saying that he does not want to praise himself or his love for his lover too much. Instead, he wants to let their love speak for itself and let it be judged on its own merits.

In conclusion, Sonnet 107: Not mine own fears, nor the prophetic soul is a beautiful poem that explores the themes of love, time, and mortality. The speaker is confident and sure of himself, and he is not afraid of what may come. He is aware of the world around him and the changes that are taking place. He values his relationship with his lover more than anything else in the world, and he cherishes her more than anything else in the world. His love for her is priceless, and he would do anything to keep it alive. This poem is a testament to the power of love and the importance of cherishing the people we love.

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