16. ‘Sonnet 116: Let me not to the marriage of true minds’ — William Shakespeare
Summary:
Shakespeare defines true love as constant and unchanging, enduring even through time and hardship. He argues that real love is not subject to external circumstances, and if proven wrong, he declares that he has never written — and no one has ever loved.
Analysis:
- Love is described as an eternal, guiding force — a “fixed mark” that withstands storms and changes.
- Shakespeare uses the sonnet form to present a structured, logical argument about the nature of love.
- The poem elevates love to an almost spiritual ideal, separating it from physical attraction or fleeting emotions.
- The speaker’s bold final statement shows his certainty about the existence of such love.
Key Techniques:
- Traditional Shakespearean sonnet structure (ABABCDCDEFEFGG).
- Metaphor: “Love is an ever-fixed mark” and “Love’s not Time’s fool.”
- Elevated, formal language strengthens the idea of love as sacred.
- The volta (shift) after line 8 refocuses from what love is not to what love is.