Shakespeare's Sonnets

Shakespeare's Sonnets

Shakespeare's sonnets, as poems, have been obscured by the enormous amount

of speculation, much of it unjustified, that has grown up around the problems

presented by the dedication. The following sonnet is commonly grouped with 125

others that are believed to have been written to a much admired young man, who

was Shakespeare's junior in both years and social status.

The form in which the poem is written is often referred to as Shakespearean

or English form. As in most of Shakespeare's sonnets the argument proceeds by

quatrains. Each quatrain presents an idea in itself. The poet in the first

quatrain bewails his own lot; in the second contrasts that lot with other men's;

in the third, thinking of his beloved friend, he rises like the lark that “sings

hymns at heaven's gate”; and in the couplet his happiness is generalized in a

final contrast.

In the first

line the poet speaks of himself as being out of luck, and/or money and not well

received by his fellow man. He has taken to crying about his social ostracism

in line two. In an attempt to clarify for himself why he is in such a state he “

troubles” heaven with his “bootless” or useless cries. But as the poet has made

clear heaven turns a deaf ear and no response is forthcoming. Again he becomes

introspective and curses his fate. This first quatrain has given us an image of

a grown man “down and out” if you will, who is accepting no responsibility for

his life's station.

By the second quatrain the poet has taken to wishing he were more hopeful.

He wants to be more popular with his peers and he desires the literary skill, “

art”, and intellectual prowess, “scope”, of other men. It is almost humorous to

think that Shakespeare, at one time, wished to be a better writer. Even that

which most delights the poet no longer stays the pain he is feeling.

All is not lost, however. The third quatrain offers our poet hope. He is

almost to the point of despising himself when suddenly salvation finds him. By

some chance he thinks of his love (be that love male or female we know not).

These thoughts overwhelm him with joy. His whole mood becomes “like the lark at

break of day”. In short, he is uplifted. To show just how happy the poet has

become he gives us a final contrast in the closing couplet.

For thy sweet love rememb'red such wealth brings

That then I scorn to change my state with kings.