In this sonnet, the speaker promises to give eternal life to the person addressed through the lines of the sonnet. Do you think the speaker has succeeded in this mission? Why or why not? Be sure to cite evidence from the text, supported by outside research as needed, in a response of at least 300 words.
Title: Analyzing the Success of the Speaker's Promise of Eternal Life in a Sonnet
Introduction:
In this sonnet, the speaker makes a fervent promise to grant eternal life to the addressee through the lines of the poem. To assess whether the speaker has succeeded in this mission, we must delve into the sonnet's intricacies and examine the evidence presented by both the text and outside research.
Body:
1. Utmost Devotion:
The speaker's promise of eternal life is grounded in unwavering devotion. Throughout the sonnet, the speaker expresses their dedication to preserving the addressee's legacy and ensuring their immortality. They vow, "So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, / So long lives this, and this gives life to thee" (lines 13-14). The speaker asserts that as long as human civilization exists, the sonnet will serve as a vessel for the addressee's enduring existence. This declaration evokes a sense of timeless permanence.
2. Unfading Memory:
The speaker's promise revolves around the restoration and perpetuation of the addressee's memory. By capturing their essence within the sonnet, the speaker aims to immortalize them even beyond physical death. The notion of living eternally through the poem aligns with Platonic ideas of the soul's immortality. Plato argued that beauty and immortality could be achieved through art. Thus, the speaker's mission appears to be rooted in this philosophical tradition.
3. Symbolic Legacy:
The speaker employs powerful imagery throughout the sonnet, employing metaphors and similes that contribute to the addressee's immortality. Shakespeare compares the addressee to a "summer's day," emphasizing their beauty and highlighting their exceptional nature. Additionally, the speaker states, "Nor shall Death brag thou wanderest in his shade" (line 10), implying that death will have no power over the addressee. Such symbolism embedded within the sonnet supports the speaker's claim to grant eternal life.
4. Limits of Human Language:
Though the sonnet portrays a grand promise of immortality, the speaker's ability to fully deliver on this pledge is limited by the constraints of human language and the boundaries of mortal existence. While the poem strives to capture the essence of the addressee and perpetuate their memory, it cannot truly grant physical immortality or ensure eternal life in the afterlife. The promise of eternal life is more metaphorical than literal.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, while the speaker's promise to grant eternal life to the addressee through the lines of the sonnet is fervent and heartfelt, it cannot be fully realized. The poem serves as a testament to the addressee's existence and may prolong their memory through its enduring qualities. However, true immortality lies beyond the realm of human language and artistry.
While this analysis focused on Shakespeare's "Sonnet 18," it is important to note that interpretations may differ. Additionally, gathering insights from various sources, including literary criticism or historical context, can further enrich the analysis outlined above.