The Longevity of the Written Word As Interpretted By Shakespeare's Sonnets
In the works of William Shakespeare one can interpret hundreds of meanings, stereotypes, speculations, and other such ideas. In his sonnets, specifically Sonnets XVIII, XXIX, XXX, LXV, and LXXIII, Shakespeare talks of love and time. He expresses ideas of the powers of beauty, time, and love and how each interacts with the other. He examines the relationship between love and time. In several references he leads the reader to believe that when written and recorded, love can be remembered throughout time. This single idea is one prevalent in each of these sonnets. Shakespeare believes that time can destroy anything if it is not written down. Once one puts his or her feelings into writing, it can be read by anyone for all of eternity. Shakespeare believes that written language can preserve love through any duration of time while the physical world around it may be drastically affected by changing times. Time is a force that nothing can stop. No matter what is going on in the world, time will not stand still. With time often comes change, but more importantly death, which reminds us of our mortality. There are changes in weather, climate, seasons, and more personally, changes in emotions and ideas, which come with time.
But sad mortality o'er-sways their power, Another example of this is in Sonnet XVIII in which Shakespeare is talking about his Love and comparing her to a summer's day. The only problem with this is that a summer's day is not as "lovely and temperate" as his Love. It simply does not measure up to her. Although a summer's day is long, it is not eternal, nor permanent, as is his love for the subject. He knows the time that he and his Love live in will end, so the only permanence would be to write about this wonderful feeling he is experiencing. To love that well which thou must leave ere long. - Sonnet LXXII Shakespeare tried to figuratively draw ideas for the reader. Through descriptive language he made us visualize the deterioration of every day items over time. He could paint images for the reader so that in their minds there was nothing that would last against the unknowns of time. One strong passage comes as he describes the short life of our seasons. For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings - Sonnet XXIX With time we all accumulate experiences that cause hurt and sorrow. But according to Shakespeare love is a force that can also accumulate and grow with time. This love can wash away the pain caused by time and leave us satiated. He tried to alert the reader to the power of love.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1637
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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