Shakespearean Sonnets: Analysis of Sonnet I

Besides being credited with over 37 stage productions, Shakespeare's name is also attributed to over 154 sonnets. Upon closer inspection these sonnets; when put together, tell a story with a defined plot and characters. These characters include the narrator's love interests; known as the Fair Youth and the Dark Lady, and a rival poet of the narrator. This entry will attempt to unravel the words and imagery of the first Sonnet of this rather lengthy series.

The first sonnet is part of the group of sonnets referring to the Fair Youth. The first four lines describes the Youth's beauty; both physically and mentally, and the narrator's passionate admiration of this beauty. However, they also make mention of the Youth's mortality; how time and death will steal this beauty from him. In spite of this, there is always the hope that the Youth's children; the next generation, will continue to bear his elegance in his name. It is paradox of life: it gives only to take away, and we live only to die.

The next quatrain deals with the Youth's capacity to harm both himself and others. With all the features lauded by the narrator, there is also the cruel happenstance of being human. If anything, the youth's beauty is an imperfect reality. Human nature is imperfect; we are subject to negative emotions such as greed and avarice, we have the potential to lie, and many other blemishes among the human condition. Therefore, the sad truth is that, either through the actions of himself or others, this imperfect beauty may collapse entirely.

The last quatrain further affirms the narrator's affection towards the Fair Youth. The narrator describes the Youth as "the world's fresh ornament" (9) and as the "only herald to the gaudy spring" (10). These lines refer to to the Youth through romantic pretenses; highlighting the positive at the expense of the negative. The "rose-colored glasses" of affection, if you will. The next to lines are terms of endearment; playful in their approach. The narrator uses this quatrain to express his endearment more clearly towards the Youth.

The couplet that concludes the piece defines the depth of the narrator's feeling towards the fair youth. His language suggests how, although they are both due back to the earth from which they came, the narrator fully intends to make the most of it he can. He plans to overindulge in feelings; passions that may never be fully satisfied.

Sources:

http://www.shakespeares-sonnets.com/sonnet/1