In Sonnet 29, Shakespeare begins by comparing himself with people who are better off than he. He brings up men who are wealthy, have lots of power, and are well known by others, somewhat bemoaning his average situation. Halfway through the poem, he turns around and says that when he begins to feel down on himself, he just remembers his love, and how lucky he is to have her. He finishes the sonnet with a sweet sentiment about how he wouldn't even want to change places with a king, because that would mean losing the woman he loves.
In terms of content, this sonnet is similar to Sonnet 130. Shakespeare approaches love in an interesting way in these two poems. Instead of taking the typical route of just showering his love with praise, he starts negatively. He talks about how unfortunate he is, or how ugly his love is. After complaining/comparing for a few lines, he says that despite all of this, he is lucky in love. While this isn't necessarily the type of love poem a lover may dream of, I think it shows creativity and originality on Shakespeare's part. It shows the thought process Shakespeare went through. "If there are other beautiful and good things in life, there must be beautiful and good things in my life" seems to be his way of thinking.
Sonnet 106 is a good comparison with 29 in terms of form. Both of them start with a sort of reflection, beginning with the word "when" and then looking back on a time when the speaker was upset. As the poem continues, Shakespeare then brings the main point back to the present, stating the happiness he feels to have the woman he loves. This reflection shows maturity on the part of the speaker, because it proves that while he may have things that are less than desirable happening in his life, he is able to find good things to celebrate and appreciate.
I like that you point out the creativity of Shakespeare in forming a love poem in this manner. I think it was brilliant what he did and it's what makes his sonnets memorable, so I agree with you there.
ReplyDeleteI like the comparison you made of Sonnets 29 and 130, it is one I would not have thought of just because Sonnet 29 starts with a much sadder tone than 130. But I like how you pointed out that they both overcome the imperfections of life through love.
ReplyDeleteI like the comparison you made of Sonnets 29 and 130, it is one I would not have thought of just because Sonnet 29 starts with a much sadder tone than 130. But I like how you pointed out that they both overcome the imperfections of life through love.
ReplyDelete