Analysis of Sonnet 18

Analysis of Sonnet 18

The sonnet 18 was a poem written by William Shakespeare, unleashing the truth
of romance and summer. He discusses the meaning of unconditional love, knowing that
it is the only thing that cannot be permanently destroyed. He believes nothing can tear
or hurt the beauty of a relationship, as long as the graceful connection lives on. The
poem was originally created for the speaker’s lover, who may have begun to grow old at
the time. He alternates between the rough windy days of summer and his lover, and this
woman, who he describes the exact opposite. As Shakespeare relives the days they
spent together in the sun, he uses a language full of clear diction, intense imagery and
powerful tone. The words of sonnet 18 tell a story about the strength love has, and how
it can defeat any force of nature, including time.
In the first quatrain, Shakespeare comes in with plenty of diction, introducing his
feelings for this person. The line “thou more lovely and more temperate” talks about her
gentle and calm personality. It first compares her to a summer’s day, then takes it back
by saying she is not as rough and unpredictable as the May winds. In addition, it
phrases “summer’s lease hath all too short a date” showing that he wishes time wouldn’t
pass by so quickly when they’re together. It proves that summer’s not the only time of
year when loves occurs. No matter where the two of them are, their memories will long
stay by their side. This language in this part of the poem rings as a symbol of how love
is seen through a special someone’s eye.
In the second quatrain, Shakespeare leads us on by creating intense images of
the battle between the sun and nature itself. The statement “sometimes too hot the eye
of heaven shines” resembles how her smile reflects his world every single day. Even the
most romantic and lovely beings in life will come to loose its appearance. The happy
moments he experienced from time to time will simply become a part of history. But the
bond between them continues to live inside of him. Everyone will eventually reach a day
when they are no longer who they used to be. Also, the phrase “by chance or nature’s
changing course untrimm’d” shows that although some things in life are planned, others
happen due to luck. He explains that their summer together can be taken away any
time, for any unknown reason.
In the third quatrain, the power of Shakespeare’s significance tone drives us into
the direction of one belief: hope. The sentence “but thy eternal summer shall not fade”
tells the reader that every bit of sadness also includes a bit of happiness. It means that
even though the wonderful times have long passed, there memories will last longer than
they both shall live. As long as people continue to exist, so will their love. It gives
something to believe in, even when everything we loved seemed to have slipped away
into the dark. Finally, the line “nor shall death brag thou wander’st in the shade” remind
us that time will pass and people will grow old. But yet, it happens to everyone and
there is not actual way of avoiding it. True love would never give in to being torn apart,
for a year, or for a lifetime. The poem ends by leaving us with a mixture of emotions,
with both positive and negative charges.
Ultimately, the flow of the poem’s energy moves along the page, promoting the
idea that love is unconditional. It will hang on to the memories of those who once
experienced its true meaning, for now or maybe for a lifetime. It does not matter how
near or far two individuals are apart. In a world where time is not on the move, people
will not be controlled of what they really desire. Not the lightening speeds of time. Not
the bitter ways of nature. Not even the unpleasant thoughts of death can stop the
feeling of true love. As long the memories are forever recorded in the lines of this
sonnet, and people will exist, the thoughts and emotions of this sonnet will forever more
be relived throughout time.

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Analysis of Sonnet 18

it can defeat any force of nature, including time.

is seen through a special someone’s eye.

In the second quatrain, Shakespeare leads us on by creating intense images of

time, for any unknown reason.

with both positive and negative charges.

be relived throughout time.

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