Shakespeare's Sonnet 33

A detailed Summary of Shakespeare's Sonnet 33

Shakespeare's sonnet 33 was written to express pain that Shakespeare had received from his relationship with the young man. The relationship had encountered an obstacle that is evaluated in sonnet 33 and a few following sonnets. Shakespeare is torn between abounding love and the most painful of sorrows. In the first quatrain, Shakespeare talks about how many beautiful mornings allow themselves to be covered by dark clouds. In the most literal interpretation, one can take Shakespeare's language as a complaint and a warning regarding the quick passing of the morning. However, diving deeper into the meaning and metaphors of the sonnet, Shakespeare's complaints are about the young man. Advice to the young man is offered as well. In the sonnet, deception reigns over honesty as Shakespeare is hurt by the young man's actions. However, Shakespeare's strong love overcomes the imperfection of all human beings.

Shakespeare dotes endlessly on the young man, flaunting his perfection and celebrating his beauty. The morning is also glorified in this sonnet

Full many a glorious morning have I seen

Flatter the mountain tops with sovereign eye,

Kissing with golden face the meadows green,

Gilding pale streams with heavenly alchemy; (1-4)

With all triumphant splendor on my brow;

But out, alack, he was but one hour mine;

Shakespeare is beginning to regret his anger, stating that he at least got to enjoy the young man's "splendor on his brow"(10) for a short time. However, there is still a lingering disappointment with the young man and the Dark Lady. Shakespeare suggests in line 5 that the sun allowed itself to be covered by the darkness. However, the blame shifts over to the "region cloud"(12) who has "masked"(12) the young lover from Shakespeare. Although blame shifts, disappointment continues to lie in the failure of an ideal love. The young man's sin has presented an impasse to their love. Shakespeare is visibly searching for an answer to the question of his future with the young man.

In saying that he has seen many mornings stained by "the basest clouds"(5), Shakespeare is making a metaphor to the actions of the young man. In earlier sonnets, there is reference to another love interest of the young man's, most commonly referred to as the Dark Lady. While Shakespeare has been struggling to keep the Dark Lady, who could be symbolized by the "basest clouds"(5), from taking over the young man his efforts are dashed in the second quatrain. "Stealing unseen... with this disgrace"(8) can be assumed to mean that the young man is having a secret affair with the Dark Lady. The clouds are a stain on the face of the sun, just as his actions are a stain to the young man. Shakespeare feels left behind and abandoned, comparing himself to "the forlorn world"(7). While he is hurt by the young man, Shakespeare is also offering a

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Approximate Word count = 1077
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English