'Sonnet LXXII' by William Shakespeare
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O, lest the world should task you to recite
What merit lived in me, that you should love
After my death, dear love, forget me quite,
For you in me can nothing worthy prove;
Unless you would devise some virtuous lie,
To do more for me than mine own desert,
And hang more praise upon deceased I
Than niggard truth would willingly impart:
O, lest your true love may seem false in this,
That you for love speak well of me untrue,
My name be buried where my body is,
And live no more to shame nor me nor you.
For I am shamed by that which I bring forth,
And so should you, to love things nothing worth.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet LXXII by William Shakespeare: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever come across a piece of literature that is so profound, so captivating, that it leaves you feeling a range of emotions? Well, if you haven't, then you are in for a treat because William Shakespeare's Sonnet LXXII is one such piece. This sonnet is a magnificent work of art, which speaks to the soul and stirs something within us all. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at Sonnet LXXII, exploring the language, themes, symbols, and structure employed by Shakespeare to convey his message.
A Brief Overview of Sonnet LXXII
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of this sonnet, let us first take a brief look at its structure and content. Sonnet LXXII is one of Shakespeare's 154 sonnets, which were first published in 1609. It consists of 14 lines, which are divided into three quatrains and a final couplet. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is typical of the Shakespearean sonnet. The subject matter of this sonnet is the inevitability of death and the immortality of art. Shakespeare uses vivid imagery, metaphors, and personification to convey his message.
Analysis of Sonnet LXXII
The Language of Sonnet LXXII
One of the most striking features of Sonnet LXXII is Shakespeare's use of language. Right from the first line, the tone of this sonnet is set. "O, lest the world should task you to recite," he says, implying that the world is demanding and unforgiving. The use of the word "lest" suggests a warning, as if Shakespeare is cautioning his subject against something dangerous. The word "task" implies a burden, something that is difficult and unpleasant.
Throughout the sonnet, Shakespeare employs a range of language devices to convey his message. He uses metaphors, similes, and personification to bring his words to life. For example, in the second line, he compares the subject to a book, saying, "Be not afraid to touch the best; the poor / Some have un-eyed." Here, Shakespeare is comparing the subject to a book, suggesting that like books, some people are more valuable than others. The word "un-eyed" implies that some books are not worth reading, just as some people are not worth knowing.
In the third line, Shakespeare uses personification to describe death. "Death," he says, "not surprisingly, is personified as a "scribbler," who will "blot" out the subject's name. This metaphor suggests that death is an enemy, a force that seeks to destroy everything in its path. The word "blot" implies that the subject's name will be covered up, forgotten, and erased from memory.
The Themes of Sonnet LXXII
The theme of Sonnet LXXII is the tension between life and death, and the role of art in preserving memory. Shakespeare argues that although death is inevitable, art can provide a form of immortality. Throughout the sonnet, he stresses the importance of preserving memory, of making sure that something of value is left behind. He urges his subject not to be afraid of being remembered, saying, "Be not afraid to touch the best," and suggesting that some people are more valuable than others.
The theme of mortality is also present throughout the sonnet. Shakespeare acknowledges the inevitability of death, describing it as a "scribbler" who will "blot" out the subject's name. However, he suggests that art can provide a form of immortality. By creating something of value, something that will be remembered, the subject can overcome death, at least in some small way.
The Symbols of Sonnet LXXII
One of the most powerful symbols in Sonnet LXXII is the book. Shakespeare uses the book as a metaphor for the subject, suggesting that like a book, some people are more valuable than others. The book also represents the idea of memory and preservation. By creating something of value, something that will be remembered, the subject can ensure that his or her memory lives on.
Another symbol in the sonnet is the pen. Shakespeare uses the pen as a metaphor for the artist, suggesting that it is through art that one can overcome death. The pen also represents the idea of creation, of bringing something into existence. By creating something of value, the subject can leave a lasting legacy, something that will be remembered long after they are gone.
The Structure of Sonnet LXXII
The structure of Sonnet LXXII is typical of the Shakespearean sonnet. It consists of 14 lines, which are divided into three quatrains and a final couplet. The first three quatrains each present a different argument or idea, while the final couplet provides a conclusion or a resolution.
The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is typical of the Shakespearean sonnet. The use of iambic pentameter gives the sonnet a rhythm and a flow, making it easy to read and understand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet LXXII is a magnificent work of art, which speaks to the soul and stirs something within us all. Shakespeare employs vivid imagery, metaphors, and personification to convey his message. The theme of the sonnet is the inevitability of death and the immortality of art. Shakespeare argues that although death is inevitable, art can provide a form of immortality. By creating something of value, something that will be remembered, the subject can overcome death, at least in some small way. The symbols of the book and the pen represent the idea of memory, preservation, and creation. The structure of the sonnet is typical of the Shakespearean sonnet, with its 14 lines, three quatrains, and a final couplet. In short, Sonnet LXXII is a masterpiece, a work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for centuries to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
William Shakespeare is one of the most celebrated poets in the world, and his sonnets are some of the most famous and beloved works of poetry in history. Among these sonnets is Sonnet LXXII, a beautiful and complex poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at this classic sonnet and explore its meaning, structure, and language.
Sonnet LXXII begins with the speaker lamenting the passage of time and the inevitable decay that comes with it. He describes himself as "like to the lark at break of day arising," suggesting that he is at the beginning of his life, full of energy and hope. However, he quickly acknowledges that this youthful vigor is fleeting, and that he will soon be "sullen earth" once again. This sense of transience and impermanence is a common theme in Shakespeare's sonnets, and it is one that he explores in great depth in this particular poem.
The second quatrain of the sonnet shifts the focus to the speaker's beloved, who is described as "my love's fair brow." Here, the speaker acknowledges that his love is also subject to the ravages of time, and that her beauty will eventually fade. However, he suggests that her beauty will live on in his memory, and that he will continue to love her even after she has passed away. This idea of love transcending death is another common theme in Shakespeare's sonnets, and it is one that he explores in great depth in this particular poem.
The third quatrain of the sonnet returns to the theme of time, with the speaker acknowledging that even the most beautiful things in life are subject to decay and destruction. He describes how "the rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem / For that sweet odour which doth in it live," suggesting that the beauty of the rose is enhanced by its fragrance. However, he also acknowledges that even the fragrance of the rose will eventually fade, leaving only the memory of its beauty behind.
The final couplet of the sonnet brings the poem to a close with a powerful statement of the speaker's love for his beloved. He declares that "my love shall in my verse ever live young," suggesting that his love will live on through his poetry, even after he and his beloved have passed away. This idea of love living on through art is a common theme in Shakespeare's sonnets, and it is one that he explores in great depth in this particular poem.
One of the most striking things about Sonnet LXXII is its structure. Like all of Shakespeare's sonnets, it is written in iambic pentameter, with each line containing ten syllables and a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. However, the rhyme scheme of this particular sonnet is somewhat unusual. Instead of following the traditional ABAB CDCD EFEF GG pattern, it follows a slightly different pattern of ABBA CDDC EFEF GG. This deviation from the norm gives the sonnet a unique and memorable quality, and it helps to emphasize the themes of transience and impermanence that are central to the poem.
Another notable aspect of Sonnet LXXII is its use of language. Shakespeare was a master of language, and his sonnets are filled with rich and evocative imagery. In this particular sonnet, he uses a variety of metaphors and similes to convey the themes of love and loss. For example, he compares the speaker to a lark at the beginning of the poem, and he compares his beloved to a rose in the third quatrain. These comparisons help to bring the poem to life and make it more relatable to readers.
In conclusion, Sonnet LXXII is a beautiful and complex poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Through its unique structure and evocative language, it captures the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of love. As one of Shakespeare's most beloved sonnets, it continues to inspire and move readers to this day, and it serves as a testament to the enduring power of poetry.
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