Sonnet 116, written by William Shakespeare, is a poem that explores the idea of true love and its endurance through time. The poem begins with the speaker declaring, "Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments," indicating that he believes true love should not be hindered or impeded by anything.
The speaker goes on to say that love is "an ever-fixed mark," meaning it is constant and unchanging, and that it "bears it out even to the edge of doom," meaning it endures even through difficult times. This is a clear contrast to the conventional view of love as fleeting and easily swayed.
The speaker also asserts that love is not affected by time or distance, stating that it "looks on tempests and is never shaken." This suggests that true love is strong enough to withstand any obstacle or challenge that may come its way.
Furthermore, the speaker asserts that love is not affected by "bald, naked, forked animal," a metaphor for lust, indicating that true love is not based on physical attraction or desire, but rather on a deep emotional connection.
Overall, Sonnet 116 presents a powerful and idealized view of love as a force that is enduring, constant, and unchanging. It encourages readers to strive for this type of love in their own relationships and to recognize the value of true love in their lives.
Sonnet 116: Let me not to the marriage of true…
Finally, quatrain three nails home the theme, with love's undying essence prevailing against the "bending sickle" of Time. It is definitely a positive assertion through a negative way. In this way beauty is weak before time. Thus using various metaphors, similes and images the poet establishes his idea that true love is permanent and even time cannot erase it. His images appeal to our intellect, reason and heart. The speaker says that when two persons are true to each other, they will never face any hindrance in their communion. Imagery Everyone knows that the literary beauty of a poem is to a great extent dependent on its imagery.
Shakespeare’s Sonnets Sonnet 116 Summary & Analysis
Also have you noticed that there are no similies in this poem, only metaphors? On the other hand, it stands still till the end of the world and servers as a source of guidance to the lovers. Rhyme Scheme The rhyme scheme of this sonnet is ababcdcdefefgg. Nor has anybody loud in this world. After telling us that love does not change first quatrain , that love gives us guidance second quatrain and finally that love never ends third quatrain , the poet ends the poem with a little joke. It is true love that guides a person to safety at such times. In such situations, the lighthouse guides them towards the shore. The poem is written in iambic pentameter with occasional variations e.