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Sonnet 90 by William Shakespeare
Then hate me when thou wilt; if ever, now;
Now, while the world is bent my deeds to cross,
Join with the spite of fortune, make me bow,
And do not drop in for an after-loss:
Ah, do not, when my heart hath ’scap’d this sorrow,
Come in the rearward of a conquer’d woe;
Give not a windy night a rainy morrow,
To linger out a purpos’d overthrow.
If thou wilt leave me, do not leave me last,
When other petty griefs have done their spite,
But in the onset come: so shall I taste
At first the very worst of fortune’s might;
And other strains of woe, which now seem woe,
Compar’d with loss of thee will not seem so.
General Introduction
- Poet and Poem: "Sonnet 90" is written by William Shakespeare, an eminent English playwright and poet of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. This sonnet is part of Shakespeare's collection of 154 sonnets, which predominantly explore themes of love, beauty, politics, and mortality.
- Context about the Poet: Shakespeare is renowned for his profound impact on English literature. His works, characterized by rich language, intricate character development, and deep exploration of human nature, have remained influential for centuries. Written during the English Renaissance, Shakespeare's sonnets often reflect the era's fascination with beauty, the complexities of human emotions, and the fleeting nature of life.
Title
- Analysis of the Title: The title "Sonnet 90" doesn't provide specific thematic or tonal hints but indicates its place within Shakespeare's larger sequence of sonnets. Unlike titled poems, numbered sonnets invite readers to interpret the text without preconceptions, focusing on the language and themes presented within.
Themes in "Sonnet 90" by William Shakespeare
"Sonnet 90" delves into several profound themes that reflect the complexities of human emotions and the inevitable struggles associated with love and loss. Analyzing these themes provides deeper insight into the sonnet's emotional landscape and Shakespeare's exploration of human nature.
1. The Pain of Anticipated Rejection:
- One of the central themes of "Sonnet 90" is the anticipation of rejection and the desire to confront it head-on. The speaker implores the beloved to "hate me when thou wilt; if ever, now," preferring to face the pain immediately rather than endure prolonged uncertainty. This theme underscores the human tendency to dread anticipated suffering and the preference for a swift, albeit painful, resolution. The speaker's plea to endure the worst of fortune's might "at first" rather than gradually highlights the psychological burden of waiting for inevitable sorrow.
2. The Inevitability of Sorrow:
- The sonnet explores the inevitability of sorrow in human relationships, particularly in the context of love. The speaker acknowledges that misfortune and grief are unavoidable, as indicated by the line "when other petty griefs have done their spite." By accepting the certainty of sorrow, the speaker seeks to mitigate its impact by facing it promptly. This theme reflects the broader Renaissance preoccupation with the transient nature of life and the acceptance of suffering as an integral part of the human experience.
3. The Comparative Nature of Suffering:
- Another significant theme in "Sonnet 90" is the comparative nature of suffering. The speaker suggests that the loss of the beloved will overshadow all other woes: "other strains of woe, which now seem woe, / Compar’d with loss of thee will not seem so." This theme highlights how personal loss can reframe one's perception of other hardships, making them appear insignificant by comparison. Shakespeare explores how the intensity of emotional pain can alter one's perspective, emphasizing the profound impact of love and loss on the human psyche.
4. The Desire for Control in the Face of Misfortune:
- The speaker's plea to control the timing and manner of rejection reveals a deep desire for agency in the face of uncontrollable misfortune. By asking the beloved to "come in the rearward of a conquer’d woe," the speaker seeks to manage the impact of sorrow by dictating its arrival. This theme reflects the human inclination to seek control over life's uncertainties, especially when confronted with emotional vulnerability. The speaker's request to face the "purpos’d overthrow" without prolonging the agony underscores the need for a sense of control amidst inevitable suffering.
5. The Futility of Resistance Against Fate:
- Throughout the sonnet, there is an underlying recognition of the futility of resisting fate. The speaker acknowledges the role of "the spite of fortune" and the inevitability of sorrow. By urging the beloved to join with the forces of misfortune and deliver the blow swiftly, the speaker resigns to the understanding that some aspects of life and love are beyond human control. This theme resonates with the Renaissance worldview that emphasizes the capriciousness of fate and the acceptance of one's limitations in altering the course of events.
6. Emotional Resilience and Acceptance:
- The sonnet ultimately conveys a message of emotional resilience and acceptance. The speaker's readiness to face the worst of fortune's might reflects a determination to endure suffering and emerge stronger. By confronting anticipated pain head-on, the speaker embodies the resilience necessary to navigate the complexities of love and loss. This theme aligns with the broader Renaissance ideal of fortitude and the ability to withstand adversity with grace.
Through the speaker's poignant plea to confront pain immediately, the sonnet captures the profound emotional turmoil and acceptance of life's inherent struggles. These themes resonate deeply with the human experience, reflecting Shakespeare's masterful exploration of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery:
- "Give not a windy night a rainy morrow," evokes a vivid picture of consecutive days filled with turbulent weather, symbolizing prolonged suffering.
2. Metaphor:
- "Join with the spite of fortune, make me bow," compares the beloved's potential betrayal to the crushing weight of misfortune.
3. Personification:
- "The world is bent my deeds to cross," attributes intentional opposition to the inanimate world, heightening the sense of universal adversity.
4. Alliteration:
- "Purpos’d overthrow" uses the repetition of the 'p' sound to emphasize the premeditated nature of the emotional downfall.
5. Paradox:
- "Other strains of woe, which now seem woe, / Compar’d with loss of thee will not seem so." This statement presents a contradiction, suggesting that current sorrows will pale in comparison to future losses.
6. Antithesis:
- "If thou wilt leave me, do not leave me last," contrasts the timing of potential abandonment, highlighting the speaker's preference for immediate rather than delayed pain.
Language and Diction
- Diction Analysis: Shakespeare's use of formal, elevated language enhances the sonnet's solemn and contemplative tone. Words like "spite," "conquer'd," and "purpos’d" convey a sense of deliberate, intense emotional conflict. The choice of archaic pronouns like "thou" and "thee" roots the poem in its historical context, while also lending a personal and intimate tone to the address.
Mood and Tone
- Mood: The mood of "Sonnet 90" is one of anticipatory sorrow and resignation. The speaker braces for a profound emotional blow, creating an atmosphere of impending doom.
- Tone: The tone is pleading and somewhat resigned. The speaker implores the beloved to deliver the worst of misfortunes swiftly, suggesting a readiness to confront and endure heartbreak.
Context
- Historical, Cultural, and Social Context: Written during the late 16th century, "Sonnet 90" reflects Renaissance concerns with the capricious nature of fortune and the deep personal impact of love and loss. The sonnet sequence often explores the theme of unrequited love and the emotional turmoil it brings, mirroring the social and cultural preoccupation with romantic ideals and personal suffering.
- Influence on Themes and Messages: The historical context underscores the sonnet's themes of inevitable misfortune and the profound impact of personal relationships. The cultural milieu, with its emphasis on the transient nature of life and the constancy of human emotion, informs the sonnet's exploration of enduring pain and the desire for a swift resolution to suffering.
Conclusion
"Sonnet 90" by William Shakespeare poignantly addresses the anticipation of emotional pain and the desire for an immediate resolution to inevitable heartbreak. Through rich imagery, metaphors, and formal diction, Shakespeare conveys the deep emotional conflict and resignation of the speaker. The historical and cultural context of the Renaissance period amplifies the sonnet's exploration of love, loss, and the capriciousness of fate.
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