Question

Sonnet 116by William ShakespeareLet me not to the marriage of true mindsAdmit impediments; love is not loveWhich alters when it alteration finds,Or bends with the remover to remove.O no, it is an ever-fixed markThat looks on tempests and is never shaken;It is the star to every wandering bark,Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeksWithin his bending sickle’s compass come;Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,But bears it out even to the edge of doom.If this be error and upon me proved,I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Answer 1

Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare is one of the Bard's most famous poems, exploring the nature of true love. In this sonnet, Shakespeare defines love as an unwavering force that remains constant, regardless of external circumstances. Here’s a brief analysis:

1. Constancy of Love: The speaker opens by stating that true love does not allow for obstacles or changes. Real love remains unchanged even when faced with life's challenges, such as separation or obstacles ("impediments").

2. Eternal Reference Points: Shakespeare uses metaphors like "an ever-fixed mark" and "the star to every wandering bark" to illustrate love's guiding and unwavering nature. Love provides direction and stability even in turbulent times.

3. Timelessness: The poem emphasizes that love is not influenced by time or aging ("Love's not Time’s fool"). While physical beauty may fade, true love endures and remains steadfast.

4. Conclusion with Certainty: The final couplet asserts that if the speaker’s understanding of love is proven wrong, then he has never written, and no one has ever truly loved. This conclusion underlines the poem's strong conviction regarding the nature of true love.

Overall, Sonnet 116 is a celebration of love as an eternal, unchanging force that stands the test of time and circumstance, making it a powerful reflection on the ideal of romantic connection.