Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds,
or bends with the remover to remove: from Sonnet CXVI by William Shakespeare
Sonnet CXVI by William Shakespeare is a well-known sonnet that explores the nature of true love. The poet begins by stating that he will not accept any obstacles or hindrances to the union of two deeply connected souls. He then goes on to describe how true love remains constant and unwavering, regardless of any changes or challenges that may arise.
To further understand the meaning behind these lines, we can break down the structure and key phrases of the sonnet:
1. "Let me not to the marriage of true minds / Admit impediments."
- In this opening line, the speaker is expressing his refusal to acknowledge any barriers or obstacles that may arise in a union of two genuine souls. The "marriage of true minds" could imply a strong intellectual or emotional bond between two individuals.
2. "Love is not love / Which alters when it alteration finds,"
- In this line, the poet asserts that true love does not change or weaken when confronted with change or challenges. It implies that genuine love is steadfast and enduring, remaining unchanged even in the face of alterations or difficulties.
3. "Or bends with the remover to remove:"
- Here, "the remover" can be interpreted as someone or something attempting to separate or weaken the bond of love. The speaker asserts that true love does not yield or give in to the efforts of anyone trying to break it apart.
Overall, Sonnet CXVI explores the immutability of genuine love and argues that it perseveres through all challenges, changes, and attempts to diminish it. The beauty of Shakespeare's sonnets often lies in the multiple layers of meaning and interpretation, so different readers may find their own understanding and nuances in the poem.
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