A Refreshing View of Love in Shakespeare's Sonnet Cxvi

Shakespeare's Sonnet CXVI offers a unique and nuanced exploration of love that transcends the typical binary of romantic idealism and cynicism. This sonnet, often celebrated for its eloquent expression of love's constancy, reveals a deeper complexity when examined closely. By employing various poetic devices and a careful choice of language, Shakespeare presents a refreshing view of love that acknowledges its imperfections while simultaneously celebrating its enduring qualities.

The Structure and Form: An Unconventional Approach

Shakespeare begins Sonnet CXVI with a departure from the traditional iambic pentameter, which sets the tone for the exploration of love that follows. The opening line, "Let me not to the marriage of true minds / Admit impediments," utilizes trochees, creating a rhythm that disrupts the expected flow. This choice foreshadows the theme of imperfections within love. The juxtaposition of true love and the concept of impediments highlights the idea that love, while idealized, is often fraught with challenges.

Furthermore, Shakespeare’s use of lines that exceed the standard ten syllables serves to draw attention to specific ideas. For instance, when he compares love to a star, he states, "whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken." This line emphasizes that love's true value is often overlooked, suggesting that society frequently measures love superficially rather than appreciating its depth and significance. The irregularities in form act as a metaphor for the obstacles that love must navigate, reinforcing the notion that love is not a flawless concept.

Negative Language: A Reflection of Love's Flaws

Shakespeare’s choice of language throughout the sonnet further underscores the complexities of love. The frequent use of negation serves to challenge conventional perceptions of love. Rather than stating outright what love is, Shakespeare describes what it is not: "Love is not love / Which alters when it alteration finds." This approach invites readers to reconsider their understanding of love, suggesting that true love remains unchanged, despite external circumstances.

The sonnet is also replete with words that evoke a sense of melancholy and struggle. Terms such as "impediments," "tempests," and "doom" conjure images of conflict and hardship, which are often associated with love. Shakespeare's reference to "his bending sickle's compass come" evokes the Grim Reaper, hinting at the fleeting nature of love and life itself. The use of such language paints a more realistic picture of love, acknowledging its potential for pain and loss alongside its beauty.

Repetition and Change: The Nature of Love

Shakespeare skillfully employs repetition to highlight the evolving nature of love. The words "alter," "bend," and "remove" recur throughout the sonnet, each time in a different form, emphasizing love's tendency to change. This motif of transformation serves to remind readers that love is not static; it is subject to the trials and tribulations of life. By focusing on these root words, Shakespeare illustrates that love is both resilient and vulnerable, capable of withstanding challenges while also being susceptible to change.

To further analyze the themes present in Sonnet CXVI, the following table summarizes the key aspects of love as depicted in the sonnet:

A Refreshing Perspective on Love

Ultimately, Shakespeare's Sonnet CXVI provides a refreshing perspective on love that challenges readers to examine their beliefs and assumptions. While the sonnet begins with an idealistic portrayal of love, it quickly reveals the underlying complexities and imperfections that characterize human relationships. Shakespeare's mastery of language and form invites readers to confront the dual nature of love, recognizing that while love can be a source of joy and fulfillment, it is also intertwined with struggle and heartache.

In conclusion, Shakespeare's exploration of love in Sonnet CXVI serves as a poignant reminder that love is not merely a romantic ideal but a multifaceted emotion that encompasses both beauty and pain. By acknowledging the imperfections inherent in love, Shakespeare offers readers a more profound and realistic understanding of this complex emotion. This refreshing view encourages individuals to embrace the full spectrum of love, recognizing that its flaws can enhance its beauty and depth.

References:

• Shakespeare, William. "Sonnet 116." The Complete Sonnets and Poems. Edited by Colin Burrow, Oxford University Press, 2002.
• Bloom, Harold. Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human. Riverhead Books, 1998.
• Greenblatt, Stephen. Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare. W.W. Norton & Company, 2004.