“Sonnet 11: As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st” by William Shakespeare: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Sonnet 11: As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st” by William Shakespeare

“Sonnet 11″ by William Shakespeare, beginning with “As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st,” was first published in 1609 as part of the esteemed collection “Shake-speare’s Sonnets.” This sonnet is a poignant exploration of the ephemeral nature of youth and the inevitability of aging. The speaker laments the rapid passage of time, emphasizing the contrast between youthful growth and the subsequent decline. The central theme is a reminder to cherish beauty while it lasts, as the fleeting nature of life underscores the importance of living in the present moment. The sonnet’s primary qualities include its evocative imagery, its philosophical contemplation of mortality, and its poignant exploration of the human condition.

Text: “Sonnet 11: As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st” by William Shakespeare

Annotations: “Sonnet 11: As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st” by William Shakespeare

Line	Annotation
As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st	As you age and lose your youth (wane), you grow in another (likely a reference to children or descendants).
In one of thine, from that which thou departest;	Your legacy continues through your offspring as you leave behind your youth.
And that fresh blood which youngly thou bestow’st,	The youth and vitality you pass on to your descendants (through procreation).
Thou mayst call thine when thou from youth convertest.	What you pass on remains yours even when you leave your youth behind.
Herein lives wisdom, beauty, and increase;	In this process of passing on your legacy through offspring, wisdom, beauty, and growth are preserved.
Without this folly, age, and cold decay:	Without offspring or legacy, only foolishness, old age, and death remain.
If all were minded so, the times should cease	If everyone chose not to procreate, time itself would stop—humanity would come to an end.
And threescore year would make the world away.	In just sixty years (a typical lifespan), the world would vanish without future generations.
Let those whom nature hath not made for store,	Let those who are not suited to continue the species (due to being unfit or unproductive) fall away naturally.
Harsh, featureless, and rude, barrenly perish:	Those who are unattractive, lacking refinement, and unable to produce offspring should die without leaving a legacy.
Look whom she best endowed, she gave the more;	Nature gives more to those whom she has favored with gifts like beauty and fertility.
Which bounteous gift thou shouldst in bounty cherish:	You should cherish and make the most of the generous gifts (such as beauty, youth, and fertility) that nature has bestowed upon you.
She carved thee for her seal, and meant thereby,	Nature created you to be a symbol of her beauty and intended for you to pass on your traits to future generations (like a stamp or seal that reproduces itself).
Thou shouldst print more, not let that copy die.	You should have children (create more copies of yourself) so that your beauty and traits do not die out. The idea is to “print” or reproduce more copies of yourself through procreation.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Sonnet 11: As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st” by William Shakespeare

Device	Definition	Example	Explanation
Antithesis	A figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are presented in parallel structure.	“Herein lives wisdom, beauty, and increase; Without this folly, age, and cold decay”	The contrast between wisdom, beauty, and increase on one hand, and folly, age, and decay on the other, highlights the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of aging.
Apostrophe	A figure of speech in which a speaker addresses a person, thing, or abstract concept as if it were present.	“Let those whom nature hath not made for store”	The speaker addresses those who are not meant to reproduce.
Chiasmus	A rhetorical device in which the second half of a sentence or phrase is a reversal of the first half.	“Thou mayst call thine when thou from youth convertest”	The phrase “when thou from youth convertest” reverses the order of “thou from youth” in the previous line.
Connotation	The emotional or associative meaning of a word in addition to its literal definition.	“Cold decay”	The word “cold” suggests a sense of emptiness and lifelessness, while “decay” implies a gradual decline.
Enjambment	The continuation of a sentence or phrase beyond the end of a line of poetry.	“And threescore year would make the world away.”	The sentence continues into the next line, creating a sense of urgency and momentum.
Hyperbole	Exaggeration for effect.	“And threescore year would make the world away”	The speaker exaggerates the impact of aging, suggesting that it could destroy the world.
Imagery	The use of vivid language to create mental images.	“Fresh blood”	The image of fresh blood symbolizes youth and vitality.
Metaphor	A figure of speech in which one thing is said to be another thing.	“She carved thee for her seal”	Nature is compared to a sculptor who has created the speaker as a masterpiece.
Oxymoron	A figure of speech in which two contradictory terms are combined.	“Harsh, featureless, and rude”	The words “harsh” and “rude” are contradictory, emphasizing the negative qualities of those who are not meant to reproduce.
Paradox	A statement that seems contradictory but expresses a truth.	“As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st”	The paradox suggests that growth and decline are simultaneous processes.
Personification	Giving human qualities to non-human things.	“Nature hath not made for store”	Nature is presented as a conscious being who makes decisions about who will reproduce.
Repetition	The repeated use of words or phrases.	“As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st”	The repetition of “as fast as” emphasizes the rapid pace of time.
Simile	A figure of speech that compares two things using “like” or “as.”	“Thou shouldst print more, not let that copy die”	The speaker compares the individual to a copy that should be reproduced.
Symbolism	The use of objects or images to represent ideas or concepts.	“Seal”	The seal represents the speaker’s unique qualities and the importance of preserving them.
Synecdoche	A figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole, or vice versa.	“Threescore year”	“Threescore year” is used to represent a lifetime.
Tone	The attitude of the speaker toward the subject matter.	Reflective and contemplative	The speaker reflects on the nature of time and the importance of preserving beauty.
Understatement	A figure of speech in which something is expressed less strongly than it actually is.	“Barrenly perish”	The speaker understates the negative consequences of not reproducing.
Verbal irony	A figure of speech in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant.	There is no example in the sonnet.
Zeugma	A figure of speech in which a word is used to modify two or more words in different senses.	There is no example in the sonnet.

Themes: “Sonnet 11: As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st” by William Shakespeare

• The Fleeting Nature of Time:
• Shakespeare’s Sonnet 11 delves into the profound realization of time’s transience, a concept eloquently expressed in the lines “As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st.” The sonnet’s imagery of growth and decay underscores the inexorable passage of time, reminding us that even the most vibrant youth is fleeting. The contrast between the youthful “fresh blood” and the inevitable “cold decay” serves as a poignant reminder that life is a temporal journey, a journey marked by both beauty and loss.
• The Importance of Preserving Beauty:
• Beyond its exploration of time’s fleeting nature, Sonnet 11 also emphasizes the significance of preserving beauty. The lines “She carved thee for her seal, and meant thereby, Thou shouldst print more, not let that copy die” convey the idea that beauty is a precious gift that should be cherished and passed on to future generations. The metaphor of a seal suggests that each individual is a unique creation, a masterpiece that should be replicated to ensure its continued existence. By reproducing, individuals contribute to the perpetuation of beauty and wisdom, leaving a lasting legacy for posterity.
• The Inevitability of Aging and Death:
• While the sonnet celebrates the beauty of youth, it also acknowledges the inevitable reality of aging and death. The lines “And that fresh blood which youngly thou bestow’st, Thou mayst call thine when thou from youth convertest” highlight the cyclical nature of life, as youth gives way to maturity and eventually old age. The contrast between the youthful vitality and the eventual decline serves as a sobering reminder of life’s finite nature. The sonnet’s exploration of mortality underscores the importance of living life to the fullest, appreciating the beauty of each moment.
• The Contrast Between Wisdom and Folly:
• Shakespeare’s Sonnet 11 also contrasts wisdom and folly, suggesting that true wisdom lies in embracing the present and appreciating the beauty of life. The lines “Herein lives wisdom, beauty, and increase; Without this folly, age, and cold decay” emphasize the importance of living in the moment, rather than dwelling on the past or fearing the future. The sonnet’s message is a call to action, urging individuals to make the most of their time on Earth and to leave a positive legacy.

Literary Theories and “Sonnet 11: As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st” by William Shakespeare

Literary Theory	Application to Sonnet 11	References from the Sonnet
Psychoanalytic Theory	From a psychoanalytic perspective, the sonnet reflects unconscious desires for immortality and the anxiety over aging and death. Procreation becomes a means of ego preservation. This theory could view the speaker’s advice to “print more” as a defense against the fear of extinction.	“Thou shouldst print more, not let that copy die” suggests a deep-seated fear of mortality, where procreation is seen as a way to achieve a symbolic immortality.
Feminist Theory	A feminist reading could critique the sonnet’s depiction of women as mere vessels for reproduction, focusing on the societal pressure to bear children in order to preserve beauty and lineage. The poem may be interpreted as reinforcing patriarchal norms about the value of women primarily through their ability to reproduce.	“Which bounteous gift thou shouldst in bounty cherish” implies a societal obligation for women to reproduce and preserve their beauty for posterity.
Marxist Theory	A Marxist interpretation might focus on the unequal distribution of nature’s “gifts” and how the sonnet reflects class divisions. Those “best endowed” are expected to preserve and pass on their legacy, while those deemed “harsh, featureless, and rude” are dismissed, reinforcing the idea of value based on social worth.	“Let those whom nature hath not made for store, harsh, featureless, and rude, barrenly perish” can be seen as advocating for the survival of the elite.

Critical Questions about “Sonnet 11: As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st” by William Shakespeare

Literary Works Similar to “Sonnet 11: As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st” by William Shakespeare

1. “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell
   This poem explores the themes of time, mortality, and the desire to preserve beauty and love through action, similar to how Sonnet 11 urges procreation to defy the effects of time.
2. “Sailing to Byzantium” by W.B. Yeats
   Yeats’ poem reflects on aging and the desire for immortality through art and legacy, akin to Shakespeare’s focus on the preservation of youth through descendants.
3. “Ode on a Grecian Urn” by John Keats
   Keats meditates on beauty and immortality, highlighting how art and imagery can preserve youth, paralleling the idea in Sonnet 11 of preserving beauty through future generations.
4. “The Wild Swans at Coole” by W.B. Yeats
   This poem explores the inevitability of aging and change while reflecting on the enduring beauty of nature, much like Sonnet 11 discusses the passage of time and the continuation of life.
5. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas
   Thomas’ poem shares the theme of resisting the inevitability of death and aging, echoing Shakespeare’s call in Sonnet 11 to resist the decay of age by passing on one’s legacy.

Representative Quotations of “Sonnet 11: As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st” by William Shakespeare

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st”	The opening line reflects the inevitability of aging, but also the potential for regeneration through offspring.	Psychoanalytic Theory: The fear of mortality and the subconscious desire for immortality through progeny.
“In one of thine, from that which thou departest”	As you age and lose your youth, it continues in your descendants.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Procreation as a defense mechanism against the ego’s fear of death and the loss of youth.
“And that fresh blood which youngly thou bestow’st”	Youthful energy and vitality are passed on to offspring, continuing the cycle of life.	Biological Determinism: The emphasis on natural processes as a means of survival and continuity.
“Herein lives wisdom, beauty, and increase”	Procreation is presented as the key to preserving beauty, wisdom, and growth in future generations.	Marxist Theory: The preservation of human capital and beauty for the benefit of future generations, reflecting class legacy.
“Without this folly, age, and cold decay”	Without procreation, life devolves into foolishness, aging, and eventual death.	Psychoanalytic Theory: The fear of aging and death is offset by the potential to create life and pass on one’s essence.
“If all were minded so, the times should cease”	If everyone chose not to have children, time itself would end, as there would be no future generations.	Feminist Theory: The societal pressure on individuals, particularly women, to procreate for the continuation of humanity.
“Let those whom nature hath not made for store”	Those who are not suited for reproduction or preservation of beauty should naturally fall away.	Marxist Theory: Reinforces social divisions by implying that only the “best endowed” are worth preserving, reflecting elitism.
“Harsh, featureless, and rude, barrenly perish”	Those without beauty or refinement are destined to perish without leaving any legacy behind.	Social Darwinism: Reflects the belief that only the fittest and most attractive should survive and reproduce.
“She carved thee for her seal, and meant thereby”	Nature created the individual to be a symbol of beauty, meant to reproduce and leave a mark on future generations.	Structuralism: The individual serves as a “seal” in the broader structure of nature, symbolizing the ongoing cycle of life.
“Thou shouldst print more, not let that copy die”	The idea that one should reproduce to preserve their beauty and qualities, rather than letting them die out with age.	Psychoanalytic Theory: The reproduction of oneself as a defense against the inevitability of death and decay.

Suggested Readings: “Sonnet 11: As fast as thou shalt wane, so fast thou grow’st” by William Shakespeare

1. Kunin, Aaron. “Shakespeare’s Preservation Fantasy.” PMLA, vol. 124, no. 1, 2009, pp. 92–106. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25614250. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
2. ROSENBERG, JESSICA. “THE POINT OF THE COUPLET: SHAKESPEARE’S ‘SONNETS’ AND TUSSER’S ‘A HUNDRETH GOOD POINTES OF HUSBANDRIE.’” ELH, vol. 83, no. 1, 2016, pp. 1–41. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24735466. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
3. Emerson, Oliver Farrar. “Shakespeare’s Sonneteering.” Studies in Philology, vol. 20, no. 2, 1923, pp. 111–36. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4171848. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
4. NELLES, WILLIAM. “Sexing Shakespeare’s Sonnets: Reading Beyond Sonnet 20.” English Literary Renaissance, vol. 39, no. 1, 2009, pp. 128–40. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24463748. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
5. Schalkwyk, David. “‘She Never Told Her Love’: Embodiment, Textuality, and Silence in Shakespeare’s Sonnets and Plays.” Shakespeare Quarterly, vol. 45, no. 4, 1994, pp. 381–407. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2870963. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.