Sonnet 29, also known as "When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes," is a poem written by William Shakespeare in the early 17th century. The sonnet is structured in the traditional Shakespearean form, consisting of 14 lines with a rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef gg.
In this sonnet, the speaker is feeling low and downtrodden, in "disgrace with fortune and men's eyes." The speaker is seemingly ostracized and rejected by society, and feels lonely and isolated. Despite this, the speaker finds solace in the fact that they have the love and support of someone dear to them, who gives them "grace and truth."
One of the most striking elements of this sonnet is the contrast between the speaker's external circumstances and their internal emotional state. On the surface, the speaker appears to be in a terrible situation, with no hope of improvement. Yet, despite this, they are able to find joy and comfort in the love of another person. This contrast highlights the importance of personal relationships in times of hardship and adversity.
Another significant aspect of this sonnet is the use of religious imagery and language. The speaker speaks of "grace," a term often used in the Christian tradition to refer to God's unmerited favor and love. This suggests that the speaker's loved one is a source of spiritual as well as emotional support. In addition, the phrase "truth" could be interpreted as a reference to the divine, as it is often used in religious contexts to refer to God or ultimate reality.
Overall, Sonnet 29 is a poignant and moving exploration of love and its power to lift us up in difficult times. It reminds us of the importance of close personal relationships, and the way in which they can provide us with hope, joy, and meaning in even the darkest of circumstances.