Sonnet 73 by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 73” was composed back in 1600 during the sonnet heydays. This poetic genre was ruling the roost in the literary arena. Every other poet was trying their hands in this genre and reaping popularity. Shakespeare, too, won popularity in writing sonnets. It is considered one of his most popular Shakespearean sonnets. Its uniqueness lies in its imagery and metaphor to convey the themes. Timelessness and unique thematic strands have further enhanced its beauty and music.

Paraphrase of “Sonnet 73” by William Shakespeare

Verse	Paraphrase and Explanation
1. That time of year thou mayst in me behold	You can see in me the signs of the passing of time, the aging process.
2. When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang	Like the trees shedding their leaves in autumn, I too am losing my beauty and vitality.
3. Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,	The bare branches of the trees quiver in the cold wind, just as my frailty is evident in my weakened state.
4. Bare ruin’d choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.	The once lively and melodious birds have flown away, leaving behind only empty and desolate branches.
5. In me thou see’st the twilight of such day	You see in me the end of my life, like the fading light at the end of a day.
6. As after sunset fadeth in the west,	My life is fading away, like the sun setting in the western horizon.
7. Which by and by black night doth take away,	Just as night falls and darkness consumes the light, death will soon consume me.
8. Death’s second self, that seals up all in rest.	Death is like a twin to itself, that brings an eternal rest to everything.
9. In me thou see’st the glowing of such fire	You see in me the remnants of a once burning flame, now reduced to glowing ashes.
10. That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,	The flame of my youth has long since burned out, leaving only ashes behind.
11. As the death-bed whereon it must expire,	Like a person on their deathbed, my flame will eventually extinguish.
12. Consum’d with that which it was nourish’d by.	The flame was fed by the same thing that ultimately consumed it.
13. This thou perceiv’st, which makes thy love more strong,	You can see all of this and it makes your love for me even stronger, knowing that it is fleeting.
14. To love that well which thou must leave ere long.	Love me fully, knowing that our time together is limited and will come to an end.

Literary Devices in “Sonnet 73” by William Shakespeare

Literary Device	Verse	Identification, Meanings, and Explanations
Alliteration	“Upon those boughs which shake against the cold”	The repetition of the “b” sound emphasizes the shivering of the tree branches in the cold, creating a vivid image in the reader’s mind.
Allusion	“Death’s second self, that seals up all in rest”	This alludes to the idea that death is not just the end of life, but a peaceful release from the struggles of existence.
Assonance	“In me thou see’st the glowing of such fire”	The repetition of the “o” sound creates a soft, warm tone that reinforces the image of a dying flame.
Consonance	“Consum’d with that which it was nourish’d by”	The repetition of the “s” and “d” sounds creates a harsh, biting tone that reflects the destructive nature of the thing that consumed the flame.
Enjambment	“When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang / Upon those boughs which shake against the cold”	The sentence continues across the line break, creating a sense of flow and continuity that mirrors the natural world.
Hyperbole	“Death’s second self”	The idea of death having a “second self” is an exaggeration that emphasizes the magnitude and inevitability of death.
Imagery	“Bare ruin’d choirs, where late the sweet birds sang”	The image of a once-beautiful choir now ruined and empty creates a powerful sense of loss and decay.
Irony	“That time of year thou mayst in me behold”	The speaker is ironically referring to himself as a symbol of the changing seasons, highlighting the transience and fragility of human life.
Metaphor	“The twilight of such day”	The speaker is metaphorically comparing his own life to the fading light at the end of a day, suggesting that his time on earth is drawing to a close.
Onomatopoeia	“Where late the sweet birds sang”	The repetition of the “s” sound creates a sense of the birds’ singing, using sound to add texture to the imagery.
Oxymoron	“Death’s second self”	The combination of the opposing terms “death” and “self” creates a paradoxical phrase that highlights the mysterious and complex nature of death.
Paradox	“To love that well which thou must leave ere long”	The idea of loving something deeply even though it will inevitably be lost is a paradoxical concept that reflects the complexity of human emotions.
Personification	“That time of year thou mayst in me behold”	The speaker is personifying himself as a symbol of the changing seasons, using human characteristics to describe a natural phenomenon.
Repetition	“In me thou see’st”	The repetition of this phrase creates a sense of unity and continuity, tying the various images together into a cohesive whole.
Rhyme	“West / rest”	The repetition of the “est” sound creates a rhyme that adds musicality and rhythm to the poem.
Simile	“As after sunset fadeth in the west”	The speaker is using a simile to compare the fading light to the setting sun, creating a vivid and tangible image in the reader’s mind.
Symbolism	“Those boughs which shake against the cold”	The shaking branches symbolize the frail

Sound and Poetic Devices in “Sonnet 73” by William Shakespeare

First Literary Device	Examples/Reference	Definition/Explanation
Alliteration	Bare ruin’d choirs, where late the sweet birds sang	The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of neighboring words
Assonance	That time of year thou mayst in me behold	The repetition of the same vowel sound in neighboring words
Consonance	As after sunset fadeth in the west	The repetition of the same consonant sound at the end of neighboring words
End Rhyme	Where late the sweet birds sang… That on the ashes of his youth doth lie	The repetition of the same sounds at the end of lines
Rhyme Scheme	ABAB CDCD EFEF GG	The pattern of end rhyme in a poem
Diction	Bare ruin’d choirs, where late the sweet birds sang	The choice of words and language used in a poem
Verse Type	Sonnet	A type of poem consisting of 14 lines with a specific rhyme scheme and structure
Stanza Type	Quatrain, Sestet, Couplet	A group of lines within a poem that share a pattern or structure
Poem Type	Shakespearean Sonnet	A type of sonnet popularized by William Shakespeare, with a specific rhyme scheme and structure
Tone	Melancholic, Reflective	The attitude or emotion conveyed by the poem’s language and structure

Functions of Literary Devices in “Sonnet 73” by William Shakespeare

1. Imagery: Shakespeare uses vivid and concrete imagery throughout this sonnet to convey the speaker’s emotions and the main theme of the sonnet. For instance, in line 16, the image of “yellow leaves, or none, or few” hanging from the boughs creates a visual representation of the autumn season. It also means the end of life. Similarly, the image of “bare ruin’d choirs, where late the sweet birds sang” in line 18 uses a metaphor comparing the trees to choir stalls and the birds to singers, creating a sense of loss and emptiness.

Explanation: Imagery is a literary device that refers to the use of descriptive language to create sensory experiences for the reader. Shakespeare uses imagery in “Sonnet 73” to create a powerful emotional effect, immersing the reader in the speaker’s feelings of aging, decay, and mortality. Using such images of time, life and death, Shakespeare has shed an effective light on transience of life and how a person should enjoy this temporary time.

• Metaphor: Several metaphors used in this sonnet sheds light on the theme of aging and mortality. For example, in line 22, the phrase “Death’s second self” shows the use of the metaphor of death as a twin or a shadow, emphasizing its inevitability and finality. Similarly, in line 24, the image of “the ashes of his youth” is a metaphor for the speaker’s lost youth and vitality.

Explanation: The literary device of metaphor compares two unlike things to highlight a particular similarity or characteristic. Shakespeare uses metaphors in this sonnet to explore the theme of mortality and the passage of time. By comparing the speaker’s aging process to various images, such as the fading of light after sunset or the slow burning of a dying fire, Shakespeare creates a sense of melancholy and inevitability that drives the emotional impact of the poem.

Themes in “Sonnet 73” by William Shakespeare

1. Mortality: The poem “Sonnet 73” by William Shakespeare shows the theme of mortality. The speaker, who happens to be poet himself, reflects on the inevitability of his death. Using powerful imagery to describe the aging process, he compares himself to a tree with few leaves, and the twilight after sunset that fades into black night. This theme is also apparent in lines 7-8: “Which by and by black night doth take away, / Death’s second self, that seals up all in rest.” Lines 7-8 show the thematic connection between darkness and death, as expressed through the gradual disappearance of light with the advent of night and death portrayed as an entity that brings eternal repose to all beings.
2. Transience: “Sonnet 73” explores the theme of the transience of life, and the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. The speaker compares himself to a slow dying fire consumed by that which once nourished it. This theme is clear in lines 9-12 which express the speaker’s description of youthful period with “the glowing of such fire,” “on the ashes of his youth,” and “the death-bed whereon it must expire,” highlighting the fading nature of their inner vitality and passion. They further elaborate that this fire is consumed and ultimately extinguished by the very elements that once nurtured it, indicating a sense of inevitable decline and transience.
3. Nostalgia: “Sonnet 73” demonstrates a sense of nostalgia. The speaker of the sonnet looks back on his life and reflects on the things he has lost. He describes the tree with “bare ruin’d choirs, where late the sweet birds sang” (line 4), invoking a sense of sadness and loss amonth readers. The couplet This thou perceiv’st, which makes thy love more strong, / To love that well which thou must leave ere long” also demonstrates this nostalgia.
4. Love: “Sonnet 73” also celebrates the power of love to endure beyond death. The speaker acknowledges that his lover sees him as he truly is, and this knowledge strengthens their love. Shakespeare declares that when th youth sees him, it “makes thy love more strong.” The poem ends on a hopeful note, with the speaker urging his lover to cherish their time together: “To love that well which thou must leave ere long” (line 14).

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “Sonnet 73” by William Shakespeare

1. New Criticism/Formalism Theory: This literary theory focuses on the formal aspects of the poem, such as its structure, language, and imagery. “Sonnet 73” can be seen as a reflection about the transience of life and the inevitability the old age and death. The speaker uses vivid images of life and death to show the passing of time and its effects on nature and himself. The sonnet also explores the theme of mortality and the significance of love in the face of impending loss. Evidence of verses: Whereas first four verses from 1 to 4 depict the autumn season and the decay of nature, symbolizing the aging process, next four from 5 to 8 use imagery of twilight and night to convey the approaching darkness of death. However, verses from 9 to 12 compare the speaker’s fading fire to a dying flame, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life. Explanation: This interpretation focuses on the poem’s formal elements and the universal themes it explores, highlighting the skillful use of imagery and the impact of language in conveying the speaker’s contemplation of mortality and the enduring power of love.
2. Reader-Response Theory: Reader-response literary theory emphasizes the role of the reader in interpreting a text. “Sonnet 73” demonstrates the reader’s personal experiences and emotions that play a critical role in understanding the sonnet. It evokes feelings of nostalgia, the fear of aging, or the bittersweet beauty of love. Therefore, each reader’s interpretation could vary based on their own backgrounds and perspectives. Evidence of verses: The reader’s response could get influenced by personal experiences of witnessing the passage of time, the fading of vitality, or the recognition of the temporary nature of life and relationships as verses 5 to 9 shows amply. Explanation: This interpretation acknowledges the subjectivity of the reader’s response and highlights the emotional resonance of the poem, allowing individuals to connect with the themes of aging, loss, and love in their unique ways.
3. Marxist Theory: Applying Marxist literary theory to “Sonnet 73” involves examining the sonnet’s social and economic context. The poem could be interpreted as a critique of the hierarchical and exploitative nature of society, where time and mortality affect individuals differently based on their socioeconomic status. The speaker’s reflection on aging and impending death highlights the disparity between the wealthy, who may have more resources to face these challenges, and the poor, who may suffer more profoundly. Evidence of verses: The social and economic implications of aging and mortality are not explicitly mentioned in the sonnet but can be inferred from the broader social critique of Shakespeare’s works through last five verses. Explanation: This interpretation analyzes the sonnet in terms of the power dynamics and social inequality present during Shakespeare’s time, suggesting that the poem reflects the unequal experiences of aging and mortality based on socioeconomic factors.
4. Psychoanalytic Theory: Psychoanalytic literary theory focuses on the unconscious mind and its influence on human behavior. “Sonnet 73” show the speaker contemplating about aging and mortality, showing both as the manifestation of his unconscious desires and fears related to the fear of abandonment or the longing for immortality. The sonnet becomes a reflection of the his inner psychological landscape. Evidence of verses: The sonnet may be seen as an expression of the speaker’s unconscious fears and desires related to aging, death, and love as shown in the first six verses. Explanation: This interpretation delves into the psychological dimensions of the poem, examining the unconscious motivations behind the speaker’s reflections on mortality and the emotional complexities tied to love and loss.

Essay Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “Sonnet 73” by William Shakespeare

1. Topic: Imagery and Metaphors and Their Functions in “Sonnet 73”

Question: How does use imagery and metaphor in “Sonnet 73” to convey the theme of the passing of time and the inevitability of death?

Thesis statement: Through his use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language, Shakespeare skillfully conveys the idea that time is fleeting and that death is inevitable, despite the speaker’s attempts to hold onto life.

• Topic: Shifting Tone of “Sonnet 73”

Question: How does the tone of “Sonnet 73” shift from the beginning to the end of the poem, and what effect does this have on the reader’s interpretation of the poem?

Thesis statement: Shakespeare’s use of a gradually shifting tone, from resigned acceptance to hopeful resignation, creates a powerful emotional effect that invites the reader to reflect on the transience of life and the importance of cherishing what we have.

• Topic: Shakespearean Context of “Sonnet 73” in Sequence of Sonnets

Question: How does “Sonnet 73” fit into the larger context of Shakespeare’s sonnet sequence, and what does it reveal about his views on love, aging, and mortality?

Thesis statement: Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 73” serves as a poignant meditation on the themes of love, aging, and mortality that are central to his sonnet sequence, revealing his deep understanding of human nature and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in his poetry.

• Topic: Love and Relationships in “Sonnet 73”

Question: What role does the speaker’s relationship with his beloved play in “Sonnet 73,” and how does this contribute to the poem’s overall meaning?

Thesis statement: Through the speaker’s relationship with his beloved, Shakespeare explores the interplay between love, aging, and mortality, demonstrating how the awareness of the inevitability of death can deepen our appreciation of life and our connections with those we love.

Short Questions-Answers about “Sonnet 73” by William Shakespeare

1. How does the speaker’s use of paradox in the first quatrain of “Sonnet 73” convey the idea of impending death?

In the first quatrain of “Sonnet 73,” the speaker uses paradox to describe the effects of aging on his body. He compares his body to a “bare ruined choirs” and a “death-bed,” using language suggestive of decay and decline. Yet, he notes that his “death” is still some way off, and that he still has some time to appreciate the beauty of the world. By juxtaposing the images of decay and decline with the idea of life and beauty, the speaker creates a sense of impending doom that pervades the entire sonnet. This sense of doom is further reinforced by the metaphors of the “black night” and the “ashes of his youth” that appear later in the poem, suggesting that death is always just around the corner.

2. How does the speaker’s use of metaphor in the second quatrain of “Sonnet 73” emphasize the fleeting nature of life?

In the second quatrain of “Sonnet 73,” the speaker uses a metaphor to describe the passing of time. He compares his life to a “swift-footed time” that is “winged” and “unsubstantial,” using language that emphasizes the fleeting and transitory nature of life. This metaphor is further developed in the third quatrain, where the speaker describes himself as a “fire” that is slowly burning out. By using metaphors that evoke movement and change, the speaker underscores the idea that life is constantly in motion and that time is always slipping away. This sense of movement and transience is further reinforced by the rhythm and meter of the poem, which create a sense of forward momentum.

3. How does the speaker’s use of enjambment in “Sonnet 73” create a sense of urgency?

Throughout “Sonnet 73,” the speaker uses enjambment to create a sense of urgency and momentum. Enjambment is the technique of running one line of poetry into the next, without pause or punctuation. By using enjambment, the speaker creates a sense of forward motion that mirrors the passing of time and the inevitability of death. For example, in the second quatrain, the line “Bare ruined choirs, where late the sweet birds sang” runs into the next line, “In me thou seest the twilight of such day,” without pause or punctuation. This creates a sense of urgency and momentum that underscores the idea that time is slipping away and that death is approaching.

4. How does the final couplet of “Sonnet 73” offer a glimmer of hope in the face of mortality?

The final couplet of “Sonnet 73” offers a glimmer of hope in the face of mortality by suggesting that the speaker’s love for his beloved will transcend death. The speaker notes that, even as he approaches the end of his life, his beloved will remember him and cherish his memory. He concludes by stating that his beloved’s love will give him a kind of immortality, allowing him to live on even after death. This idea of love as a kind of immortality is a recurring theme in Shakespeare’s sonnets, and it offers a powerful counterpoint to the sense of doom and despair that pervades much of “Sonnet 73.” By suggesting that love can conquer death, the speaker offers a message of hope and resilience that is both poignant and uplifting.