Introduction: “Sonnet 129” by William Shakespeare
“Sonnet 129” by William Shakespeare was first published in 1609 in the collection known as the “Shakespeare’s Sonnets.” This sonnet, like others in the collection, is written in iambic pentameter and follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form with three quatrains and a concluding couplet. “Sonnet 129” is notable for its dark and frank exploration of lust, highlighting the destructive and self-loathing nature of the emotion. The poem’s raw honesty and powerful imagery have contributed to its enduring popularity, making it one of the most analyzed and discussed sonnets in Shakespeare’s repertoire.
Text: “Sonnet 129” by William Shakespeare
Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame
Is lust in action; and till action, lust
Is perjured, murd’rous, bloody, full of blame,
Savage, extreme, rude, cruel, not to trust,
Enjoyed no sooner but despisèd straight,
Past reason hunted; and, no sooner had
Past reason hated as a swallowed bait
On purpose laid to make the taker mad;
Mad in pursuit and in possession so,
Had, having, and in quest to have, extreme;
A bliss in proof and proved, a very woe;
Before, a joy proposed; behind, a dream.
All this the world well knows; yet none knows well
To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell.
Annotations: “Sonnet 129” by William Shakespeare
| Line | Text | Annotation |
| 1 | Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame | The sonnet begins by describing the cost of indulging in lustful desires, which leads to feelings of shame and guilt. |
| 2 | Is lust in action; and till action, lust | Lust is only fulfilled through action, and until it is acted upon, it remains unfulfilled and deceitful. |
| 3 | Is perjured, murd’rous, bloody, full of blame, | Lust is described as treacherous, violent, and deserving of blame. |
| 4 | Savage, extreme, rude, cruel, not to trust, | Lust is also characterized as brutal, excessive, uncivilized, and untrustworthy. |
| 5 | Enjoyed no sooner but despisèd straight, | Once fulfilled, lust is quickly followed by feelings of disgust and contempt. |
| 6 | Past reason hunted; and, no sooner had | Reason is abandoned in pursuit of lust, and once it is attained, |
| 7 | Past reason hated as a swallowed bait | it is quickly hated, like a trap that has been sprung. |
| 8 | On purpose laid to make the taker mad; | This trap was intentionally set to drive the person who falls into it to madness. |
| 9 | Mad in pursuit and in possession so, | The pursuit and attainment of lustful desires lead to a state of madness. |
| 10 | Had, having, and in quest to have, extreme; | The desire for lust is extreme, whether in the process of obtaining it, having it, or seeking it. |
| 11 | A bliss in proof and proved, a very woe; | The pleasure gained from lust is short-lived and ultimately leads to sorrow. |
| 12 | Before, a joy proposed; behind, a dream. | The anticipation of lustful pleasure is joyful, but the aftermath is like a fleeting dream. |
| 13 | All this the world well knows; yet none knows well | Despite the universal knowledge of the destructive nature of lust, |
| 14 | To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell. | few people know how to avoid the temptation that leads to this destructive path. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “Sonnet 129” by William Shakespeare
- “Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame / Is lust in action” (Lines 1-2): This metaphor compares lust to a wasteful expenditure of energy or life force, emphasizing the destructive nature of the emotion.
- “Past reason hunted” (Line 6): The repetition of the “h” sound creates a sense of breathlessness and urgency, reflecting the impulsive nature of lust.
- “Had, having, and in quest to have, extreme” (Line 10): The repetition of the “h” sound emphasizes the relentless pursuit of lustful desire.
- “A bliss in proof and proved, a very woe” (Line 11): This pairing of contradictory terms highlights the paradoxical nature of lust, which can feel both pleasurable and painful.
- “Past reason” (Lines 6-7): This phrase is repeated to emphasize the irrationality and lack of control associated with lust.
- “Mad” (Lines 9-10): The repetition of this word underscores the frenzied and destructive nature of lust.
- “Is” (Lines 2-3): The repetition of this verb at the beginning of successive clauses emphasizes the various negative qualities of lust.
- “Enjoyed no sooner but despisèd straight” (Line 5): This contrast between enjoyment and disdain highlights the fleeting nature of lustful pleasure.
- “Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame” (Line 1): The repetition of the short “i” sound creates a sense of unease and discomfort.
- “Mad in pursuit and in possession so” (Line 9): The repetition of the “s” sound creates a harsh, sibilant effect that reinforces the negative connotations of the word “mad.”
- The enjambment between lines 1 and 2, as well as between lines 9 and 10, creates a sense of urgency and momentum, reflecting the impulsive nature of lust.
- “Murd’rous, bloody, full of blame” (Line 3): This exaggeration of the negative consequences of lust serves to emphasize its destructive potential.
- The entire sonnet is written in iambic pentameter, which is a rhythmic pattern of ten syllables per line with alternating unstressed and stressed syllables. This creates a sense of order and control that contrasts with the chaotic nature of lust.
- The sonnet uses vivid imagery of hunting and baiting to portray lust as a predatory and destructive force.
- The final couplet expresses the irony that despite everyone knowing the dangers of lust, people still succumb to it.
- The juxtaposition of “heaven” and “hell” in the final couplet highlights the stark contrast between the perceived pleasure of lust and its ultimate consequences.
- The sonnet as a whole is a paradox, as it both condemns and acknowledges the power of lust.
- Lust is personified as a hunter, emphasizing its predatory nature.
- The sonnet follows the traditional Shakespearean rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
- The volta, or turn, occurs in the final couplet, where the speaker shifts from describing the negative aspects of lust to acknowledging its universal appeal.
Themes: “Sonnet 129” by William Shakespeare
Theme: The Destructive Nature of Lust
- “Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame” (Line 1)
- “Is lust in action; and till action, lust / Is perjured, murd’rous, bloody, full of blame” (Lines 2-3)
- “A bliss in proof and proved, a very woe” (Line 11)
- These lines highlight the destructive consequences of indulging in lustful desires, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and ultimately, sorrow.
Theme: The Unreliability of Desire
- “Enjoyed no sooner but despisèd straight” (Line 5)
- “Past reason hunted; and, no sooner had / Past reason hated as a swallowed bait” (Lines 6-7)
- These lines illustrate how quickly desire can turn to disgust and contempt, showing the fleeting and untrustworthy nature of lustful desires.
Theme: The Loss of Reason and Sanity
- “Mad in pursuit and in possession so” (Line 9)
- “On purpose laid to make the taker mad” (Line 8)
- These lines emphasize how the pursuit and attainment of lustful desires can lead to a state of madness, where reason is abandoned and sanity is lost.
Theme: The Universality of Human Weakness
- “All this the world well knows; yet none knows well / To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell” (Lines 13-14)
- These lines highlight the universal knowledge of the destructive nature of lust, yet despite this knowledge, people continue to fall into its trap, demonstrating the weakness of human nature.
Literary Theories and “Sonnet 129” by William Shakespeare
Psychoanalytic theory, heavily influenced by the works of Sigmund Freud, focuses on the unconscious desires and motivations that drive human behavior. In “Sonnet 129,” this theory can be applied to analyze the speaker’s intense internal conflict regarding lust. The poem reveals the speaker’s awareness of the destructive nature of lust, yet also acknowledges the irresistible pull it exerts. The lines “Mad in pursuit and in possession so, / Had, having, and in quest to have, extreme” reflect the compulsive and insatiable nature of desire, suggesting a deep-rooted unconscious drive that overrides reason and logic. The poem’s portrayal of the shame and self-loathing that follow lustful acts can be interpreted as the superego’s attempt to repress and control these primal urges.
2. Feminist Theory:
Feminist theory examines the power dynamics between genders and how they are represented in literature. In “Sonnet 129,” a feminist reading might focus on the objectification and commodification of the female body implied in the poem’s portrayal of lust. The line “Enjoyed no sooner but despised straight” suggests that the object of desire is quickly discarded after gratification, highlighting the disposable nature of women in a patriarchal society. The poem’s emphasis on the shame and guilt associated with lust can also be seen as reinforcing traditional gender roles and expectations, where women are often blamed for male desire and its consequences.
3. New Criticism:
New Criticism emphasizes close reading and analysis of the text itself, focusing on its formal elements and how they contribute to its overall meaning. In “Sonnet 129,” this approach would involve examining the poem’s structure, language, and imagery. The use of contrasting metaphors, such as “heaven” and “hell,” highlights the paradoxical nature of lust, while the repetition of words like “mad” and “extreme” emphasizes its destructive power. The poem’s strict adherence to the sonnet form, with its tightly controlled rhyme scheme and meter, creates a sense of order that contrasts with the chaotic and irrational nature of lust, further emphasizing its destructive potential.
Critical Questions about “Sonnet 129” by William Shakespeare
- How does Shakespeare portray the complex and paradoxical nature of lust in “Sonnet 129”?
- Shakespeare masterfully captures the contradictory nature of lust by using vivid language and contrasting imagery. He describes it as both a “bliss in proof” and a “very woe,” suggesting that it can be both pleasurable and painful. The poem highlights the fleeting nature of lustful satisfaction, as it is “Enjoyed no sooner but despised straight.” This paradox reveals the internal conflict and self-loathing that often accompany lust, as the speaker recognizes the destructive power of desire even while succumbing to it.
- What is the significance of the final couplet in “Sonnet 129” and how does it contribute to the overall meaning of the poem?
- The final couplet, “All this the world well knows; yet none knows well / To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell,” serves as a powerful conclusion and commentary on the human condition. It acknowledges the universal awareness of lust’s destructive nature, yet highlights the inability of individuals to resist its allure. The juxtaposition of “heaven” and “hell” emphasizes the stark contrast between the perceived pleasure of lust and its ultimate consequences, suggesting that the pursuit of fleeting pleasure can lead to eternal damnation.
- How does Shakespeare’s use of language and imagery contribute to the emotional impact of “Sonnet 129”?
- Shakespeare employs strong language and visceral imagery to evoke a sense of disgust and revulsion towards lust. He describes it as “perjured, murderous, bloody, full of blame,” creating a sense of moral outrage and condemnation. The use of animalistic imagery, such as “Past reason hunted,” further dehumanizes the experience of lust, portraying it as a primal and destructive force. This evocative language not only conveys the speaker’s disdain for lust but also elicits a similar emotional response from the reader.
- In what ways does “Sonnet 129” reflect broader themes and concerns of the Renaissance period?
- The sonnet reflects the Renaissance preoccupation with the conflict between reason and passion. The speaker’s struggle to reconcile the rational understanding of lust’s destructive nature with the overwhelming power of desire mirrors the broader societal tension between religious morality and human impulses. The poem also touches upon the theme of sin and redemption, as it warns against the dangers of succumbing to temptation and the potential for eternal damnation. These themes resonate with the religious and philosophical debates of the Renaissance, making “Sonnet 129” a relevant and thought-provoking work for its time and beyond.
Topics, Questions and Thesis Statement about “Sonnet 129” by William Shakespeare
| Topic | Question | Thesis Statement |
| Nature of Lust | What does Shakespeare suggest about the nature of lust in Sonnet 129? | In “Sonnet 129,” Shakespeare explores the destructive nature of lust, portraying it as a consuming force that leads to shame, regret, and spiritual degradation. |
| Paradox of Desire | How does Shakespeare present the paradox of desire in the sonnet? | Shakespeare delves into the paradox of desire in Sonnet 129, illustrating how the pursuit of pleasure ultimately results in disillusionment and emotional turmoil. |
| Societal Perception | What is Shakespeare’s commentary on societal perception of lust and its consequences? | Through “Sonnet 129,” Shakespeare critiques societal attitudes towards lust, highlighting its destructive effects and the failure to heed warnings about its consequences. |
| Inner Struggle and Temptation | How does the speaker grapple with inner struggle and temptation in the sonnet? | In Sonnet 129, the speaker wrestles with internal conflict and temptation, depicting the allure of lust as both irresistible and ultimately ruinous to the soul. |
Literary Works Similar to “Sonnet 129” by William Shakespeare
- “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell: Like “Sonnet 129,” this poem explores themes of desire, time, and the fleeting nature of pleasure.
- “The Flea” by John Donne: Donne’s poem uses a conceit involving a flea to explore themes of seduction, desire, and the blending of physical and spiritual love, similar to Shakespeare’s exploration of lust in “Sonnet 129.”
- “Love (III)” by George Herbert: Herbert’s poem reflects on the complexities of love and desire, contemplating the tension between physical passion and spiritual devotion, much like Shakespeare’s treatment of lust in his sonnet.
- “Goblin Market” by Christina Rossetti: While not a traditional sonnet, Rossetti’s poem delves into themes of temptation, desire, and the consequences of yielding to sensual pleasures, echoing the warnings found in Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 129.”
- “A Glimpse” by Walt Whitman: Whitman’s poem explores the fleeting nature of desire and the longing for deeper connection amidst physical passion, resonating with the themes of transience and disillusionment present in Shakespeare’s sonnet.
Suggested Readings: “Sonnet 129” by William Shakespeare
- Booth, Stephen. Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Yale University Press, 1977.
- Duncan-Jones, Katherine. “Was the 1609 Shakespeares Sonnets Really Unauthorized?” Review of English Studies, vol. 34, no. 133, 1983, pp. 151-171. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/515829.
- Fineman, Joel. Shakespeare’s Perjured Eye: The Invention of Poetic Subjectivity in the Sonnets. University of California Press, 1986.
- Kerrigan, John, editor. The Sonnets and A Lover’s Complaint. Penguin Books, 1986.
- Shakespeare, William. Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Edited by Stephen Booth, Yale University Press, 1977.
- Vendler, Helen. The Art of Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Harvard University Press, 1997.
- —. “Sonnet 129.” The Academy of American Poets, poets.org/poem/sonnet-129.
Representative Quotations from “Sonnet 129” by William Shakespeare
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame” | The sonnet’s opening line, introducing the theme of lust’s destructive consequences | Psychoanalytic: This line can be seen as a manifestation of the superego’s condemnation of the id’s desires, highlighting the guilt and shame associated with lustful behavior. |
| “Is lust in action; and till action, lust / Is perjured, murd’rous, bloody, full of blame” | Lines 2-3, describing the treacherous nature of lust | Feminist: These lines can be seen as a critique of patriarchal societies that perpetuate toxic masculinity and objectification, leading to violent and harmful behavior. |
| “Enjoyed no sooner but despisèd straight” | Line 5, highlighting the fleeting nature of lustful pleasure | Poststructuralist: This line can be seen as a deconstruction of the notion of fixed and essential pleasure, instead revealing the instability and ephemerality of desire. |
| “Mad in pursuit and in possession so” | Line 9, describing the state of madness induced by lust | Freudian: This line can be seen as a manifestation of the unconscious mind’s influence on behavior, where the pursuit and attainment of lustful desires lead to a state of unconscious, primal behavior. |
| “All this the world well knows; yet none knows well / To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell” | Lines 13-14, concluding the sonnet with a commentary on human weakness | Humanist: These lines can be seen as a commentary on the universal human struggle with desire and morality, highlighting the need for self-awareness and moral guidance to navigate the complexities of human nature. |