Question

In William Shakespeare's sonnet 104, he uses personification to give life to time, which helps convey the idea that love can withstand the passing of years.

Using the poem, please write a body paragraph that supports your thesis above.

Remember that a body paragraph will:
Explain the quote
Include a quote from the poem (in this case, this will be an example of the figurative language in your claim)
Analyze the quote (in this case, this will unpack the figurative language.)
Link the quote to the claim (in this case, it will connect the figurative language back to the claim

Answer 1

In Sonnet 104, Shakespeare employs personification to suggest that love endures despite the inevitable passage of time, which he describes as "Time doth transfix the flourish set on youth." Here, time is granted the human ability to “transfix,” illustrating its powerful impact on beauty and youth. By attributing such a forceful action to time, Shakespeare emphasizes its relentless nature as it impales the vibrancy of youth, suggesting that time does not simply pass but actively alters and diminishes youthful qualities. However, the sonnet ultimately reveals that while time may affect the external appearance, it cannot touch the deeper essence of true love. The juxtaposition of time’s destructive qualities against the resilience of love highlights that although years may change physical attributes, the speaker’s affection remains constant and unwavering, unaffected by time's passage. This personification of time reinforces the central theme of the sonnet, showcasing that true love can triumph over the transient nature of youth, thus solidifying the idea that love stands strong even as time marches on.