Summary The poet clearly denies that he is one of time’s fools, or one who acts only for immediate satisfaction: “No, Time, thou shalt not boast that I do change.” This theme of constancy is evident throughout the sonnet. After defiantly stating that he will not be duped into ending […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 123Summary and Analysis Sonnet 122
Summary Just as the poet gave a notebook to the youth in Sonnet 77, the youth has given the poet a notebook, which the poet discards. The poet, who knows more about the youth than any book can contain, says that he does not need a reminder of the young […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 122Summary and Analysis Sonnet 121
Summary The poet receives the same public reproof as the youth did earlier in the sonnets and is forced to consider whether or not his actions are immoral. Maintaining that “‘Tis better to be vile than vile esteemed / When not to be receives reproach of being,” under no circumstance […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 121Summary and Analysis Sonnet 120
Summary The poet and the youth now are able to appreciate traded injuries, with the poet neglecting the youth for his mistress and the youth committing a vague “trespass.” But their positions are only reversed in a rhetorical sense, for the poet still argues that they remain friends: “But that […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 120Summary and Analysis Sonnet 119
Summary Arguing that his actions were impulsive and uncontrollable, the poet sincerely apologizes for betraying the youth. He describes the destruction of the relationship as tragic, for it is his most prized possession: “What wretched errors hath my heart committed, / Whilst it hath thought itself so blessed never!” However, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 119Summary and Analysis Sonnet 118
Summary The poet now elaborates on lines 5 and 6 from the previous sonnet: “That I have frequent been with unknown minds / And given to time your own dear-purchased right.” Here in Sonnet 118, because a jaded appetite needs reviving, both the poet and the youth seek new, if […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 118Summary and Analysis Sonnet 117
Summary The poet abruptly returns to the subject of the young man and renews his apology and appeal. Whereas Sonnet 116 indicates that the relationship has stabilized, this sonnet stresses the poet’s self-rebuke using legal terminology: “Accuse me thus, that I have scanted all / Wherein I should your great […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 117Summary and Analysis Sonnet 116
Summary Despite the confessional tone in this sonnet, there is no direct reference to the youth. The general context, however, makes it clear that the poet’s temporary alienation refers to the youth’s inconstancy and betrayal, not the poet’s, although coming as it does on the heels of the previous sonnet, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 116Summary and Analysis Sonnet 115
Summary The poet now admits that his believing that his love for the youth was as great as it could ever be was wrong: He can love the young man even more fully than he has done in the past. Comparing how things change over time to his newfound knowledge […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 115Summary and Analysis Sonnet 114
Summary Continuing the dichotomy between the eye and the mind, the poet presents two alternative possibilities — indicated by the phrase “Or whether” — for how the eye and mind work. Either the mind controls the poet’s seeing and is susceptible to flattery, or his eye is the master of […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 114