Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 William Shakespeare's Term Paper

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He spends a great deal of time explaining this to us with imagery and symbolism. Love looks upon "tempests" (6) - the possible hurdles that lovers may encounter - and is "never shaken" (6) by them. It is important to note that the poet does not believe that love is always happy and easy. He is not foolish enough tot think that tough times will come. He knows that love will encounter difficulties but he is confident that it will survive. He also says, love is not "Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks/Within his bending sickle compass come" (9-10). Here we have more metaphors that help us understand the poet's point-of-view. Many might be under the impression that time will make a mockery of love or it might be construed as a metaphor for death. The second connection makes more sense - especially when we consider how the poet uses the word sickle in the same couplet.

With either interpretation, we move toward the same notion being that love is tough enough to conquer mockery or death. For our poet, there is no doubt that love is strong. It will endure any obstacles, including the "edge of doom" (12). This is the strongest symbol the poet gives us because it means that love will outlast time. Love is nothing if it is not strong.

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In addition, love can instill a sense of confidence that is beyond measure. It makes us feel as though we can conquest anything as long as we have our beloved with us. The poet feels so strongly about his notion regarding love that if his can be proven wrong, then he must have never written a word and no one has ever been in love.

Shakespeare's "Sonnet 116" is a poem filled with metaphors and symbols that not only praise love but also believe in the positive aspects of it. The poet is in love, so his feelings and perspective regarding love will be positive. His own experience with love shows the power of love. He understands that love is a connection between two people - a marriage of two minds, if you will and if those two minds are in harmony, love will endure even the most difficult times. "Sonnet 116" is powerful because we must believe that the poet believes what he is saying - otherwise it is in vain. We believe because he does and, as a result, love lives.

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