1. Introduction
2. Form and Structure of Sonnet 73
3. Interpretation of Sonnet 73 in general
4. The Deeper Meaning of the Metaphors
5. Conclusion
6. Bibliography
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Form and structure
- 3. Interpretation of sonnet 73 in general
- 4. The Special meaning of the metaphors
- 5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this paper is to interpret Shakespeare's Sonnet 73, focusing on its metaphors and their deeper meaning. The paper does not delve into the broader context of Shakespeare's sonnets or the English sonnet form itself. Instead, it concentrates solely on Sonnet 73 and its themes of mortality and the passage of time.
- The fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of death.
- The use of extended metaphors to convey the theme of mortality.
- The speaker's role as an advisor to a younger friend.
- Analysis of the sonnet's structure and literary devices.
- Interpretation of the individual metaphors and their cumulative effect.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis of Shakespeare's Sonnet 73. It provides context by briefly mentioning Shakespeare's prolific body of work, including his sonnets, and the general context of the sonnets addressed to the young man. The author explicitly states their intention to focus exclusively on Sonnet 73, highlighting its universal theme of mortality and explaining their interest in interpreting its multifaceted meaning. The chapter also mentions the use of secondary literary sources to inform the interpretation, specifically naming Helen Vendler's "The Art of Shakespeare's Sonnets" and Katharine M. Wilson's "Shakespeare's Sugared Sonnets" as particularly influential works. The chapter concludes by outlining the paper's structure: an analysis of the sonnet's form and structure followed by an in-depth interpretation of the metaphors used.
2. Form and structure: This chapter examines the formal aspects of Sonnet 73, establishing its adherence to the typical Shakespearean sonnet structure—three quatrains and a concluding couplet, written in iambic pentameter with a specific rhyme scheme (abab/cdcd/efef/gg). The chapter highlights the importance of the sonnet's structure and punctuation in organizing and containing the poem's imagery. Each quartet, marked by a full stop, presents a complete metaphorical image, building towards the central message in the final couplet. The chapter also notes the use of literary devices such as assonance, consonance, and alliteration, and how these enhance the poem's tone and metaphorical images, contributing to a feeling of thoughtfulness and mourning. The author further analyzes the function of the final couplet, set apart stylistically to signal a shift in meaning.
3. Interpretation of sonnet 73 in general: This chapter provides a general interpretation of Sonnet 73, analyzing the three main metaphors used to represent the passage of time and the approach of death. The chapter begins by pointing out that each metaphor represents a stage of decline, ultimately culminating in death, evidenced by the placement of colons after each quartet. The author dissects the first metaphor, comparing the speaker to a bare, winter tree, noting the somewhat ambiguous connection between the tree and the "bare ruined choirs" where birds once sang. The chapter then examines the second metaphor, likening the speaker to a fading day overtaken by night (metonymized as "Death's second self"), highlighting the ominous and foreboding tone. The third metaphor, comparing the speaker to a fire dying down to ashes, lacks the sense of malicious agency present in the other metaphors, highlighting the natural process of decline. The chapter concludes by contrasting the third metaphor with the previous two, pointing to the absence of "evil" and emphasizing the theme of consumption inherent in each metaphor.
Keywords
Shakespeare, Sonnet 73, metaphor, mortality, time, death, aging, literary analysis, structure, imagery, iambic pentameter.
Shakespeare's Sonnet 73: A Literary Analysis - FAQ
What is the main objective of this paper?
The paper's primary objective is to interpret Shakespeare's Sonnet 73, focusing specifically on its metaphors and their deeper meaning. It avoids broader contexts of Shakespeare's sonnets or the English sonnet form, concentrating solely on Sonnet 73 and its themes of mortality and the passage of time.
What are the key themes explored in Sonnet 73 according to this analysis?
The analysis focuses on the fleeting nature of time, the inevitability of death, the effective use of extended metaphors to convey mortality, the speaker's advisory role to a younger friend, the sonnet's structure and literary devices, and the interpretation of individual metaphors and their cumulative effect.
What is the structure of the analysis paper?
The paper is structured into five chapters: an introduction, an analysis of form and structure, a general interpretation of Sonnet 73, a focus on the special meaning of the metaphors, and a conclusion. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, culminating in a comprehensive interpretation of the sonnet's meaning.
How does the paper analyze the form and structure of Sonnet 73?
The analysis examines Sonnet 73's adherence to the Shakespearean sonnet structure (three quatrains and a couplet in iambic pentameter with a specific rhyme scheme). It highlights how the structure, punctuation, and literary devices (assonance, consonance, alliteration) contribute to the poem's meaning and tone. The function of the final couplet, marking a shift in meaning, is also discussed.
How does the paper interpret the metaphors in Sonnet 73?
The interpretation analyzes the three main metaphors (the dying tree, the fading day, and the dying fire) representing stages of decline leading to death. Each metaphor's individual meaning and their cumulative effect in conveying the theme of mortality are explored. The analysis also notes the absence of "evil" in the final metaphor, emphasizing the theme of natural consumption.
What sources are referenced in the analysis?
The analysis mentions using secondary literary sources to inform the interpretation. Specifically, it names Helen Vendler's "The Art of Shakespeare's Sonnets" and Katharine M. Wilson's "Shakespeare's Sugared Sonnets" as influential works.
What are the key words associated with this analysis of Sonnet 73?
Key words include: Shakespeare, Sonnet 73, metaphor, mortality, time, death, aging, literary analysis, structure, imagery, and iambic pentameter.
What is the overall approach of this literary analysis?
The analysis takes a close reading approach, focusing on the internal structure and linguistic elements of the sonnet to extract its meaning. It prioritizes detailed interpretation of the metaphors and their symbolic significance within the context of the poem itself.
- Quote paper
- Christian Dunke (Author), 2002, An interpretation of Shakespeare’s sonnet 73 and the deeper meaning of its metaphors, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/84887
