Gush and Mush
Shakespeare's Sonnet CXVI and Sonnet XVIII seem like typical examples of love poems. Considering that tomorrow is V-Day, I guess these selections are good choices.
In his Sonnet CXVI, Shakespeare delivers a pretty clear message: love is timeless, and it can conquer all obstacles or odds (at least, in his opinion). He makes a sort of promise, too, that he is willing to admit that he "never writ" and "no man ever lov'd" if what he claims is not true.
In Sonnet XVIII, Shakespeare compares someone to "a summer's day," and argues that her beauty is timeless, and will not change with age. He even seems to make the claim that she is more beautiful than God himself, with the bit about "too hot the eye of heaven shines ... often is his gold complexion dimm'd."
I suppose I can understand the Bard's purpose in writing these poems, and I can't help but wonder if he wrote them while in love with someone... Usually, poets who write things like this are doing it because of some personal experience.
Comments
I'd definitely like to take a look at some of your poetry, Lou. You should be posting it on your blog; take it from me, poetry is a great interest-instigator. :)
Oh, and thanks for pointing that out, Dr. Jerz... I was so tired when I read these poems that the fact didn't even register. Still, I think that the personification of the sun serves about the same purpose: it conveys the idea that this woman is more beautiful than the heavens themselves.
When I read Sonnet XVIII, I got the impression that Shakespeare was pointing out that although all other "fair" (moral/religious) human beings sometimes decline from their good standing with God, the woman to whom he writes will not, because she is simply brimming with virtue and grace.
Posted by: ChrisU | February 28, 2005 3:20 PM
Given the weather-related theme of XVII, the golden eye of heaven might be the sun. Note that "his" isn't capitalized.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz | February 13, 2005 4:49 PM
I think at the time he wrote, XVIII Chris, he was courting Ms. Hathaway. See I didn't like these poems. Then again I'm not too big on Valentines day or love. But I thought they were appropriate. I liked your poem too. How about reading mine? anyways, the bard is a good writer, I'll give him that
Posted by: Lou Gagliardi | February 13, 2005 10:56 AM