Sonnet 116: A Recitation by Mary

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Thoughts of the Student Athlete Academic Center Drop-in Writing Tutor

I wait. The door (propped open to invite

the passing athletes to come in and sit

with me)—symbolic, meaning "I can't write"—

is why, each day, alone, I read. Permit

me now to dissipate this myth that they

are fearless, though they play with courage on

the field; or court; or track; for all obey

dear Pride's controlling voice. Not speed nor brawn

can separate them now from others who,

at college, struggle to complete their work. 

With knowing eyes, I watch them ponder: "Do,

today, this opportunity, I shirk?"
I bite my tongue; these thoughts don't leave my slate.
The door, still open to invite. I wait.

  

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Kaitlyn's Analysis of Sonnet 29

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. 

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