Kevin O’Connor
Rumination # 3
7 March, 2011
Shakespearean Sonnets
Shakespeare’s sonnets attempt to employ richly constructed literary devices that give insight into the craftsmanship that is Shakespeare’s work. The author utilizes complexly allegories, built off various metaphors, to delve deeply into the thematic context which he wishes to approach his subject. Shakespeare’s approach to his poetry is one of nuances, as the author seeks to immortalize his name through the various freedoms he takes with his writing, writing with an array of poetic devices that give testament to his authorship. Two sonnets in particular deal with Shakespeare’s attempts to establish him as an icon, as the author seeks to immortalize his name by bridging the gap between himself and his sonnets. In Sonnets 1066 and 1064, Shakespeare pursues a sonnet structure that conveys a thematic intention, where the poet seeks to immortalize his writing.
In Sonnet 1064, the author contemplates the effect of time on memory, and how the speaker is helpless against the ravages of such frenzy. Through an extended metaphor, Shakespeare is able to draw a comparison between the arts of writing with actual history, highlighting that both of these concepts have lasting effects. Shakespeare chooses to illustrate the natural effects of time, and does so through calling the audience’s attention to certain negative aspects of nature. The opening lines of Sonnet 1064, “Devouring Time, blunt thou the lion’s paw/ And make the Earth devour her own sweet brood” (lines 1-2). In these lines Shakespeare indicates his bitterness towards nature, and how the adverse effects of time have made him come to resent it. From the metaphors used in these opening lines, Shakespeare is able to construct the remainder of his sonnet around the theme included in these metaphors. In the lines, “Nor draw no lines there with thine antique pen/ Him in thy course untainted do allow/ For beauty’s pattern to succeeding men” (lines 10-12), Shakespeare relates the toll that time takes on his loves, highlighting the savageness that he before mentions in the opening lines. With the final lines, “Yet, do thy worst old Time: despite thy wrong/My love shall ever in my verse live young” (lines 13-14), the author is able to convey the sense of resistance that is indicated through his earlier metaphors, using these two final lines to bring a closing thought to his opening statements.
In Sonnet 1064, the poet again seeks to introduce an extended metaphor to the reader, the introduction serving as a means to openly state the author’s theme. In the lines, “Not marble nor the gilded monuments/Of princes shall outlive this powerful rhyme” (lines 1-2), the poet creates an extended metaphor that gives shape to the theme. The poet hints at the reputation he wishes to establish, hoping that through his poetic greatness he will leave a lasting impression. In the lines, “your praise shall still find room/Even in the eyes of all posterity” (lines 10-11), Shakespeare notes the lasting impression he wishes to make with his work, and how the natural effects of time will have no impact on his literary output.
I think you allude to a good point. The narrator of the sonnets, and possibly by extension Shakespeare himself, claims that his effort is to immortalize his male lover. However, what he really did was immortalize himself. The subjects of the poems doesn't stand out in the modern readers mind as a complete image, he is only a shadow. What truly lasts forever is Shakespeare himself. His wordplay and poetic brilliance are what gave the sonnets life and he imprinted himself in every word. I wonder is this was Shakespeare's true intent, if he realized he would indeed be for all time?
ReplyDeleteThis ties in with what Vendler says, it is the poetry that is most memorable, not necessarily the content.