Sonnet 29 reveals the insecurities that trouble the speaker. He feels unlucky, inadequate, and
extremely jealous of those around him. The speaker is introspective and
also somewhat self-absorbed. The speaker also seems upset with God because “heav’n”
has been ignoring him. By the end of the sonnet, the speaker emerges from his
state of depression and claims it is because of a mystery person’s “sweet
love.”
Content: Sonnet 50 (and 32), like sonnet 29, reflects on depression, jealousy, and loss.
Form: In Sonnet 29, the
volta comes at line 9, where it switches from the speaker's loneliness and
depression to his sudden realization that he has someone who loves him and who
makes him happy. Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,/ Haply I
think on thee (9-10). This is similar to the volta in Sonnet 18, when
the speaker turns his thoughts to his lover. But thy eternal summer shall not fade (9).
I think it’s also worth
noting that a Shakespearean sonnet rhyme scheme is usually ABABCDCDEFEFGG;
however, sonnet 29 is slightly different
because the rhyme scheme is ABABCDCDEBEBFF. Shakespeare repeats
the B rhyme at lines 10 and 12 instead of using an F rhyme.
I love how you delved into the poem enough to find that aberration in the rhyme scheme. Why do you think that he used b again instead of using and f rhyme. Do these words have any significance? Why would he want to draw attention by changing the form? I'd love to hear your thoughts
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