Analysis on Shakespearean Sonnets to Reveal the Relationship among the Same and Narrative Continuity - Essay Example

Analysis on Shakespearean Sonnets to reveal the relationship among the same and narrative continuity Shakespearean Sonnets are helpful to have deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s personal life, his feelings, and his dealings with his contemporaries. One can easily identify that Shakespeare made use of the main theme of ‘complex human relationships’ as the core element of his sonnets. This is important because Shakespeare’s sonnets revolve around this main theme. Still, some of the sonnets can be considered as secret windows to the problems faced by Shakespeare in his personal life. Thesis statement: The analysis on Shakespeare’s sonnets (I to V) proves that the sonnets are symbolic of immortality, time, future, narcissism and life, the poet is so concerned about social issues related to unmarried life and stylistic qualities of the sonnets, and narrative continuity is interconnected with the possible problems faced by an unmarried man in his old age. Analysis: The analysis section is divided into two: Relationship among the Shakespearean Sonnets, and Narrative continuity among the Shakespearean Sonnets. Besides, the works selected for this analysis are Sonnet I, Sonnet II, Sonnet III, Sonnet IV, and Sonnet V. A. Relationship among the Shakespearean Sonnets (I to V) As pointed out, the Sonnets (I to V) are symbolic of immortality, time, future, narcissism and life. To be specific, the first sonnet pinpoints the significance of human life in the world. Besides, the speaker aims to guide an aimless young man towards the right way in life. One can easily identify that sonnet I is symbolic of the intellectual and emotional problems faced by the younger generation. Similar to the views of the speaker, aimlessness is an important social issue faced by the youngsters. In the sonnet I, Shakespeare provides ample importance to stylistic qualities because the sonnet put forth a socially relevant question and ends with the best possible solution to resolve the same with ease. The Sonnet II is symbolic of time, which cannot be controlled by human beings. In the work by Whittemore (2005), the speaker in the sonnet II by Shakespeare points out that, “This were to be new made when thou art old And see thy blood warm when thou feel’s it cold” (p. 64). The speaker points out that physical beauty will vanish with time. So, the youngsters must be aware of this fact and must try to be responsible towards their lives. If one is so proud of one’s beauty and is keeping away from marriage, time will prove that one’s decision is false. So, one can easily identify that the speaker deals with social issue of irresponsible attitude towards life. At the same time, marriage is an apt solution to this problem. The stylistic qualities that can be seen in the sonnet include contrasting words, imageries, and the revelation in the end. The main theme in the Sonnet III is symbolic of future. To be specific, this sonnet can be considered as a window to the future life of a young man. If he is ready to marry, he can view his youthfulness in his children. If he is not ready to do so, he is wasting his energy and is ruining his happiness in future. This sonnet deals with same social issues that are pointed out in the Sonnet I and Sonnet II. The stylistic qualities that can be seen in this sonnet include the death imagery and the revelation of eternal truth in the final couplets. Sonnet IV is symbolic of the negative effects of narcissism. The sonnet, which is the form of a series of questions and answers, deals with the indecisive attitude of the speaker’s friend. One can easily identify this theme is an important social issue which hinders the development of youngsters. Similar to the other sonnets, the stylistic qualities of the sonnet includes the usage of life as imagery and the revelation of the possibilities of life (say, in the final couplet). The Sonnet V is symbolic of the stages in life. From a different angle of view, the sonnet deals with the social issues like idleness and escapism. The stylistic qualities of the sonnet include the usage of metaphors and images to unearth the possible stages in human life. So, the symbols, social issues, and the stylistic qualities that can be seen in the sonnets are interconnected. B. Narrative continuity among the Shakespearean Sonnets One can see that narrative continuity is an important feature of Shakespearean Sonnets. In addition, narrative continuity is helpful for the readers to perceive the sonnets as a whole. To be specific, most of the sonnets are addressed to Shakespeare’s friends and can be generalized to the wider context of human life. Besides, narrative continuity that can be seen in Shakespearean sonnets (I to V) is related to the themes. For instance, the themes are related to human life in general. One can see that the themes like immortality, time element, future, and narcissistic attitude are related to human life. To be specific, human life consists of these basic elements. In the Sonnet I, the speaker is so interested to guide his friend. The speaker is aware of the problems faced by his friend and tries his level best to convince him. In the Sonnet I, Shakespeare (2008) points out that “Pity the world, or else glutton be, To eat the world’s due, by the grave and thee” (p.1). This sonnet portrays friendship as a unique bond between the speaker and his friend. The Sonnet II can be considered as the continuation of the Sonnet I. For instance, the Sonnet II connects the theme of immortality with life. The speaker points out that wise utilization of time and opportunity can lead one towards immortality. So, the Sonnet II continues the theme of Sonnet I. In the Sonnet III, the speaker tries to convince his friend that if he wishes to be immortal, he must be ready to utilize the time. Then, his future will be bright. At the same time, narcissistic attitude towards life cannot be helpful for an individual. In the Sonnet IV, the speaker points out the problems related to narcissism. This attitude leads to further problems in life. The speaker tries to influence his friend by pointing out that narcissism does not help one to be successful in life. The speaker is totally against his friend’s negative attitude towards life. Besides, the speaker is aware of the pitfalls in human life. So, he tries his level best to convince his friend that life is short and one must be aware the possibilities of human life. On the other side, the Sonnet V can be considered as a conclusion to the first four sonnets. In the work by Barnstorff (1862), the speaker in the sonnet V by Shakespeare makes clear that “Sap chequed with frost and lusty leaves quite gone, Beauty oersnowd and bareness every where:” (p. 25). To be specific, this sonnet compares the young man’s life with the cyclic process, which can be seen in nature. This comparison is helpful for the readers to identify the problems faced by the young man. On the other side, the speaker in the sonnet does not try to blame his friend on his misdeeds and careless attitude towards life. Instead, the speaker tries to influence him by saying that life is brief and one need to be aware of the same as a universal truth, which is applicable to all. So, the most important factor behind the narrative continuity among Shakespearean Sonnets (I to V) is the cunning utilization of the themes selected for the sonnets. Summing, in the sonnets (I to V), Shakespeare/the speaker, attempts to make use of the underlying theme of life to communicate with the readers. To be specific, the speaker is trying to convince his friend about the importance of responsible attitude and duty mindedness in human life. At the same time, this underlying theme is applicable to the wider context of human life in general. So, the analysis proves that symbolism is an important factor behind the universal appeal of the sonnets. Besides, the speaker does not hesitate to deal with the social issues related to his friend’s life. This is utmost important because Shakespeare is aware of his responsibility towards the society. The stylistic qualities that can be seen in the sonnets prove that Shakespeare is deeply interested in the technical side of composing sonnets. On the other side, the utilization of similar themes is the grass root level reason behind the narrative continuity that can be seen in the sonnets. References Barnstorff, D. (1862). A key to Shakespeares sonnets. London, UK: Trubner and co. Shakespeare, W. (2008). The Sonnets of William Shakespeare. n. p.: Wildside Press LLC. Whittemore, H. (2005). Shakespeares Sonnets Never Before Imprinted. Massachusetts, US: Meadow Geese Press. Read More