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Kelsea Fowler
Dr. Eskin
Introduction to English
1/23/12
Sweet Disposition
In Sonnet LIII, Shakespeare recognizes the echoes of human disposition by
poetically criticizing life’s unoriginality. His philosophical nature wields a tone of intrigue
for the true origins of human history. Flooding with imagery, the subject is understood
as a universal past rooting itself in all creation. His theme of living antiquity juxtaposes
unique minds and ancient shadows with his use of literary devices. Through imagery,
tone, and symbolism, Shakespeare glorifies the past of mystery and how it endures
endlessly, with its unchanging imprint.
Shakespeare alludes to the workings of his mind through imagery, enhancing the
senses ability of understanding. In search of the purest human form, he utilizes
shadows to separate the subject from human kind. Dark and evasive, the shadows send
a sense of unclarity towards present reality, much like the subject. Shakespeare loves
and idealizes the subject specifically through the olfactory image of fresh paints on
“Grecian tires” (Line 8). Like the pungent smell of fresh paints, history repeating itself is
also strong and unmistakable to him. Images of an abundant spring personify the
subject as an expression of reoccurring beauty. This allure sits alongside ignorance in
the minds of the living however, Shakespeare chooses to recognize it as a “shadow of
beauty” (Line 10). He praises the subject by lending it the likeness of a “constant heart”
(Line 14), allowing the subject to become human through imagery.
Shakespeare’s
language embodies the obscurity of original history while delving into the meaning of
true existence with other devices.
Shakespeare places faces to the past not just through imagery, but through
literary allusions. He references two Greek idols, both figures of beauty. Adonis, the
Kelsea Fowler
Dr. Eskin
Introduction to English
1/23/12
Greek god of beauty, would be “poorly imitated after” (Line 6) such an arcane past
because if compared, anything would be inferior to it. Helen, although attractive, could
never be as fair as the untainted day, notedly because she has only a fraction of its
beauty. By sharing pieces of its grace with the earth, Shakespeare’s subject is strictly
seen for its light and not for any darkness it may be carrying. Through choices of tone
and rhyme scheme he clarifies his prayer to his ancient subject.
The sonnet’s tone matures throughout the stanzas just as the poet’s beliefs do.
Initially skeptical of the unknown, Shakespeare prods his mind with unanswerable
possibilities. In a philosophical and fearless tone, he moves forward to identify his
subject as physically pure. In the ending couplet, the tone changes to an appreciation
from the external to the internal. Referring to the phrase “constant heart” in line 14, it is
a clear image, yet tonally unclear. The sentence as a whole has a complimentary tone;
however, the words alone are quite forlorn. Shakespeare darkens the final line with the
taste that the subject everlastingly loves the rest of the world, yet can never be
imprinted on in return.
The rhyme scheme resinates with the tonal structure in order to flow with the
growing theme of the sonnet. The Shakespearian sonnet is an iambic pentameter with a
rhyme pattern of ababcdcdefefgg. The structure of the sonnet gives the speaker a songlike voice, as opposed to free-verse. The Shakespearian rhyme scheme aligns with the
sonnets meaning because it stays shapely, like the progression of Shakespeare’s
thoughts. Because his words are colorful, rhyme scheme gives aid to organization as
well as the development of symbolism.
Kelsea Fowler
Dr. Eskin
Introduction to English
1/23/12
Shakespeare’s symbols range from intangible to material, giving breath to an
abstract world of fresh meanings. Reoccurring symbols of repeating history are
represented by the shadows, the spring, and references of beauty. The shadow in itself
is the past. While the past shadow is casting others, it symbolizes human existence
being a shadow of ideals to still exist. Identifying the subject as a shadow does not shed
much clarity because shadows are mysterious and amoebous figures. Likewise, the
symbol of spring continues the theme of an ever-present history while introducing its
unique splendor. Like the subject, spring faithfully stays around every year and ceases
the cold winter. This reference to beauty symbolizes selfless hope for the past and
future by praising its “foison of the year” (line 9). These symbols collide the grandeur of
the old world with its shadows in the present in order to characterize true human
existence.
The literary devices employed by Shakespeare connect the theme throughout
the sonnet. His structure and rich language embrace the thought of future generations
and past souls, alike. By speaking to a timeless subject, Shakespeare creates endless
possibilities for interpretations of the sonnet. Although seeming contented at the end,
Shakespeare’s initial question will forever remain unanswered.