Sonnet no 73 by William Shakespeare is a profound and evocative poem that delves into themes of aging, mortality, and the enduring power of love. Through vivid imagery and metaphors, Shakespeare crafts a contemplative reflection on the fleeting nature of life, inviting readers to ponder the passage of time and the significance of love in the face of mortality. This iconic sonnet continues to resonate with audiences, captivating hearts, and minds with its lyrical beauty and timeless insights into the human condition.
That time of year thou mayst in me behold.
That time of year thou mayst in me behold When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang Upon those boughs which shake against the cold, Bare ruin'd choirs, where late the sweet birds sang. In me thou see'st the twilight of such day As after sunset fadeth in the west, Which by and by black night doth take away, Death's second self, that seals up all in rest. In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire That on the ashes of his youth doth lie, As the death-bed whereon it must expire, Consum'd with that which it was nourish'd by. This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong, To love that well which thou must leave ere long.
Sonnet no 73 Line-by-Line Summary
Line 1: “That time of year thou mayst in me behold”
Summary: The poet begins by addressing someone, suggesting that the person is witnessing a particular time of year in him.
Line 2: “When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang”
Summary: The poet describes the season as one with few yellow leaves left on the trees, implying that it might be autumn.
Line 3: “Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,”
Summary: The remaining leaves on the branches are trembling due to the cold weather.
Line 4: “Bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang.”
Summary: The poet compares the bare branches to the empty choirs in churches where sweet birds used to sing, possibly implying a sense of loss and desolation.
Line 5: “In me thou see’st the twilight of such day,” Summary:
The poet now connects the imagery of the fading season to himself, suggesting that the person perceives the twilight or end of his own life’s “day.”
Line 6: “As after sunset fadeth in the west,” Summary:
The twilight mentioned earlier is likened to the sun’s fading light after sunset in the western sky.
Line 7: “Which by and by black night doth take away,” Summary:
The twilight eventually gives way to the darkness of night, symbolizing the approach of death or the end of life.
Line 8: “Death’s second self, that seals up all in rest.” Summary:
The poet personifies death as its “second self,” implying that death is like a companion to sleep that brings eternal rest and closure.
Line 9: “In me thou see’st the glowing of such fire”
Summary: The poet shifts the imagery from the fading twilight to the glowing embers of a fire.
Line 10: “That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,”
Summary: The fire burning on the ashes of youth symbolizes the remnants of the poet’s once vibrant and youthful self.
Line 11: “As the death-bed whereon it must expire,”
Summary: The fire’s final resting place, the deathbed of the ashes, is likened to the poet’s impending death.
Line 12: “Consumed with that which it was nourish’d by.”
Summary: The fire is consumed by the same fuel that once nourished it. Similarly, the poet’s life is ending, ultimately destroyed by time.
Line 13: “This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong,”
Summary: The person witnessing the poet’s aging and mortality becomes more devoted and loving as they realize the impermanence of life.
Line 14: “To love that well which thou must leave ere long.”
Summary: The sonnet concludes by suggesting that the person’s love for the poet grows stronger because they are aware that they will eventually have to part ways due to the poet’s inevitable mortality.
In Sonnet 73, Shakespeare reflects on the passage of time, the inevitability of aging, and the transient nature of life while exploring the theme of love that endures despite the awareness of mortality.
Sonnet no 73 Complete Summary
Sonnet 73, also known as “That time of year thou mayst in me behold,” is one of William Shakespeare’s most famous sonnets. It is part of a sequence of 154 sonnets and was likely written in the early 17th century.
In this sonnet, the speaker addresses someone, possibly a younger companion or a lover, and draws parallels between the natural world and his aging process. The poem consists of three quatrains followed by a rhymed couplet, a standard structure in Shakespearean sonnets.
In the first quatrain (lines 1-4), the speaker sets the scene by comparing himself to a particular time of year. He says, “That time of year thou mayst in me behold / When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang / Upon those boughs which shake against the cold, / Bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang.” The imagery of “yellow leaves” and “bare ruined choirs” evokes a sense of autumnal decay and the passing of time.
In the second quatrain (lines 5-8), the speaker develops the theme of aging and mortality. He continues, “In me thou see’st the twilight of such day / As after sunset fadeth in the west, / Which by and by black night doth take away, / Death’s second self, that seals up all in rest.” Here, the twilight represents the waning days of the speaker’s life, leading to the inevitable darkness of death, which is personified as “Death’s second self.”
In the third quatrain (lines 9-12), the speaker uses the metaphor of a dying fire to describe his diminishing vitality. He says, “In me thou see’st the glowing of such fire / That on the ashes of his youth doth lie, / As the death-bed whereon it must expire, / Consumed with that which it was nourish’d by.” The fire symbolizes the speaker’s youth and passion, which have now dwindled, and he acknowledges that he is slowly being consumed by the passage of time.
Finally, the tone shifts in the rhymed couplet (lines 13-14), and the speaker addresses the person directly. He says, “This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong, / To love that well which thou must leave ere long.” The person witnessing the speaker’s aging process becomes more aware of the preciousness of their love as they understand that they will have to part ways eventually due to the speaker’s mortality. Despite this awareness, their love grows stronger and more profound.
Sonnet 73 explores aging, mortality, the passage of time, and the endurance of love. It offers a contemplative and melancholic meditation on the inevitability of life’s transience. Yet, it also celebrates the profound emotional connection between two individuals aware of the fleeting nature of existence. Shakespeare’s masterful use of imagery and metaphors makes this sonnet a poignant and timeless reflection on the human condition.
Sonnet no 73 Critical Analyze
Sonnet 73 by William Shakespeare is a profound and poignant exploration of themes such as aging, mortality, the passage of time, and the endurance of love. Through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, Shakespeare crafts a contemplative and emotional sonnet that continues to resonate with readers across centuries. Let us delve into a critical analysis of this sonnet:
- Structure and Form: Sonnet 73 follows the typical structure of a Shakespearean sonnet, consisting of 14 lines written in iambic pentameter. It is divided into three quatrains and a final rhymed couplet. This structure allows Shakespeare to present his ideas systematically and build a gradual progression of themes from youth to old age, leading to the ultimate realization of love’s enduring strength.
- Imagery and Metaphor: Shakespeare’s skillful use of vivid imagery and metaphors enriches the sonnet and conveys its central ideas effectively. The seasonal imagery in the first quatrain – “yellow leaves,” “boughs… shake against the cold,” and “bare ruined choirs” – evokes the image of autumn, symbolizing the waning of life’s vitality and the approach of old age and mortality.
The metaphor of twilight in the second quatrain transitions from the external imagery of nature to the speaker’s internal reflection on his mortality. The fading light of twilight represents the declining years of the speaker’s life, and the impending darkness of night symbolizes death, portrayed as “Death’s second self” that brings eternal rest.
The third quatrain introduces the metaphor of a dying fire, representing the speaker’s diminishing vigor and passion. The image of a fire on its deathbed, “consumed with that which it was nourish’d by,” mirrors the speaker’s acknowledgment of being consumed by time, just as the fire is consumed by its fuel.
- Themes and Emotions: Sonnet 73 primarily revolves around the themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker’s introspective musings on aging and death create a sad and reflective tone throughout the poem. The fear of mortality and the inevitability of the passing of time weighs heavily on the speaker’s mind, prompting him to consider the brevity of life.
Amidst these contemplations, the sonnet also presents a theme of enduring love. Despite the awareness of mortality and the transient nature of existence, the love shared between the speaker and the addressed person becomes more profound and steadfast. This paradox highlights the power of love to transcend the limitations of time and mortality.
- Universal Relevance: The themes explored in Sonnet 73 resonate with readers today. Shakespeare’s portrayal of the human experience of aging and mortality remains relatable across cultures and generations. The sonnet’s emotional depth and universal themes ensure its enduring relevance in literature and human introspection.
In conclusion, Sonnet 73 by William Shakespeare stands as a timeless meditation on the human condition, reflecting on the passage of time, the inevitability of aging and death, and the enduring strength of love. Through masterful use of imagery and metaphor, Shakespeare crafts a poignant and thought-provoking sonnet that continues to captivate and move readers with its emotional depth and profound reflections on life and love.
FAQs
Q1: What is Sonnet 73 about?
A1: Sonnet 73, also known as “That time of year thou mayst in me behold,” is a reflective poem that contemplates the passage of time, aging, and mortality. The speaker uses vivid imagery and metaphors of autumn, twilight, and a dying fire to symbolize the stages of life and its eventual end. Despite the sad themes, the sonnet also explores the enduring power of love in the face of mortality.
Q2: How many lines does Sonnet 73 have?
A2: Sonnet 73 consists of 14 lines, following the traditional structure of a Shakespearean sonnet. It is written in iambic pentameter, with three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a rhymed couplet (two-line stanza).
Q3: When was Sonnet 73 written?
A3: The exact date of Sonnet 73’s composition is not known. However, it is believed to have been written sometime in the early 17th century, during Shakespeare’s literary career.
Q4: What is the central message of Sonnet 73?
A4: The primary letter of Sonnet 73 revolves around aging, mortality, and the enduring power of love. It highlights the inevitability of life’s transience and the fleeting nature of youth and vitality. Despite this acknowledgment, the sonnet emphasizes the deepening of love’s significance when confronted with the awareness of mortality.
Q5: Who is the speaker addressing in Sonnet 73?
A5: The speaker in Sonnet 73 addresses a younger companion, possibly a lover or friend. The identity of the addressed person is not explicitly stated in the poem, leaving room for interpretation and personal connection.
Q6: What are the central metaphors used in Sonnet 73?
A6: Sonnet 73 employs three central metaphors to convey its themes. The first is the metaphor of autumn and the falling leaves, symbolizing the passing of time and the approach of old age. The second metaphor is twilight, representing the declining years of the speaker’s life and the impending darkness of death. The third metaphor is a dying fire, symbolizing the speaker’s diminishing vitality and passions.
Q7: How does Sonnet 73 reflect Shakespeare’s view of life and mortality?
A7: Sonnet 73 showcases Shakespeare’s contemplative idea of life’s impermanence and the inevitability of mortality. The poem expresses a sense of melancholy and introspection, typical of the Renaissance period, where human existence was often viewed as fleeting and subject to the ravages of time.
Q8: Why is Sonnet 73 considered one of Shakespeare’s most famous sonnets?
A8: Sonnet 73 is celebrated for its emotional depth, powerful imagery, and timeless themes. It resonates with readers across generations due to its universal reflections on aging, mortality, and the enduring strength of love. The sonnet’s lyrical beauty and the profound introspection of the speaker have contributed to its enduring popularity in the realm of English poetry.
These FAQs provide an overview of the key aspects and themes in Sonnet 73, helping readers better understand and appreciate this iconic Shakespearean poem.