When in the chronicle, Sonnet 106 by William Shakespeare

When in the chronicle, Sonnet 106 by William Shakespeare

Line-by-line explanation

Sonnet 106, written by William Shakespeare, explores the concept of time and its effect on beauty and love. Here is a detailed summary with line-by-line explanation of the sonnet:

When in the chronicle of wasted time (line 1)

The poet begins the sonnet by referring to time as a chronicle, or a record, of wasted time. This implies that time has been unproductive or unfruitful.

I see descriptions of the fairest wights (line 2)

The poet claims that within this chronicle, he sees descriptions or accounts of the most beautiful individuals.

And beauty making beautiful old rhyme (line 3)

He suggests that beauty has the power to make old verses or poetry beautiful again. This can be interpreted as the ability of beauty to revitalize or rejuvenate old ideas.

In praise of ladies dead and lovely knights (line 4)

The poet further explains that these descriptions or accounts are in praise of deceased ladies and handsome knights of the past.

Then, in the blazon of sweet beauty's best (line 5)

The poet introduces the term "blazon," which refers to the act of describing or praising someone's physical attributes. He states that in the description of the best and most beautiful aspects of beauty,

Of hand, of foot, of lip, of eye, of brow (line 6)

The poet lists various physical features associated with beauty: the hand, foot, lip, eye, and brow. These are often considered important features in classical ideals of beauty.

I see their antique pen would have expressed (line 7)

The poet claims that the writers of these accounts, in the past, would have used an old-fashioned pen to express the beauty of these individuals.

Even such a beauty as you master now (line 8)

The poet addresses someone, possibly a lover or the subject of the sonnet, and compares their present beauty to the beauty described in the past.

So all their praises are but prophecies (line 9)

The poet suggests that the praises and descriptions of beauty in the past were merely prophecies, or predictions, of the beauty that exists in the present. This implies that the beauty of the present surpasses that of the past.

Of this our time, all you prefiguring (line 10)

The poet claims that the beauty of the present embodies and foreshadows the beauty that will be praised in the future.

And for they looked but with divining eyes (line 11)

The people in the past, who described beauty, could only look at it with divining eyes, or eyes that had the power to see into the future.

They had not skill enough your worth to sing (line 12)

The poet asserts that these individuals did not possess enough skill or ability to accurately sing or express the worth and beauty of the person he is addressing.

For we, which now behold these present days (line 13)

The poet includes himself and the readers in the present, stating that they can truly appreciate the beauty of the present days.

Have eyes to wonder, but lack tongues to praise (line 14)

Although they have eyes to marvel at the beauty, they lack the ability to adequately express their admiration and praise through words.

In summary, Sonnet 106 by William Shakespeare reflects on the concept of time and beauty. The poet examines descriptions of beauty in the past and suggests that the beauty of the present surpasses that of the past. The poem also emphasizes the limitations of language in fully capturing and expressing the beauty witnessed in the present.

Poetic techniques

Sonnet 106 by William Shakespeare employs various poetic techniques to enhance its meaning and impact. Here are some of the notable poetic techniques used in the sonnet:

1. Metaphor: The sonnet opens with the metaphorical phrase "chronicle of wasted time" (line 1), comparing time to a chronicle, or record, that has been unproductive or futile.

2. Alliteration: The use of alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, can be observed in phrases such as "fairest wights" (line 2) and "sweet beauty's best" (line 5). This technique creates a rhythmic and melodic effect, emphasizing the beauty being described.

3. Repetition: The repetition of the word "of" in the phrase "Of hand, of foot, of lip, of eye, of brow" (line 6) creates a pattern and rhythm, emphasizing the enumeration of physical features associated with beauty.

4. Enjambment: Enjambment occurs when a line of poetry does not have a pause at its end and continues to the next line without punctuation. For example, lines 6 and 7 flow seamlessly: "Of hand, of foot, of lip, of eye, of brow / I see their antique pen would have expressed."

5. Imagery: The sonnet utilizes vivid imagery to portray physical beauty, such as "hand, foot, lip, eye, brow" (line 6). This imagery appeals to the reader's senses and creates a visual representation of beauty.

6. Personification: The phrase "Even such a beauty as you master now" (line 8) personifies beauty by suggesting that it can possess or master someone. This personification adds depth and emotional connection to the concept of beauty.

7. Hyperbole: The poet employs hyperbole, an exaggerated statement, in lines 11 and 12: "For we, which now behold these present days / Have eyes to wonder, but lack tongues to praise." This exaggeration emphasizes the admiration and appreciation for beauty, highlighting the limitation of words in fully capturing its essence.

8. Rhyme scheme: Sonnet 106 follows the typical Shakespearean (English) sonnet rhyme scheme, which is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This rhyme scheme enhances the sonnet's musicality and structure.

These poetic techniques help create the overall beauty and impact of the sonnet, allowing the poet to convey his thoughts and emotions effectively.

Analysis

Sonnet 106 by William Shakespeare explores the themes of time, beauty, and the limitations of language in capturing the essence of beauty. Through a series of vivid descriptions and comparisons, the poet contemplates the fleeting nature of beauty and its relationship with the passage of time.

The sonnet begins with the speaker reflecting on the "chronicle of wasted time" (line 1), implying that time has been unproductive or fruitless. This sets the stage for a contemplation of beauty as a counterforce to the effects of time.

The poet acknowledges that descriptions of the most beautiful individuals are found in the chronicle of wasted time, praising the beauty that makes old poetry and verses beautiful again (lines 2-3). These descriptions are in praise of past individuals, both ladies and knights (line 4).

The sonnet then shifts its focus to the present, where the poet compares the beauty of the person being addressed to the beauty described in the past (line 8). The speaker suggests that the present beauty surpasses that of the past, indicating that the beauty of the present embodies and foreshadows the beauty that will be praised in the future (lines 9-10).

The limitations of those who described beauty in the past are highlighted, as the poet claims that they did not possess the skill to adequately sing or express the worth of the person being addressed (lines 11-12). This suggests that the true appreciation of beauty lies in the present, and those in the present have the ability to marvel at its wonders, even if they lack the words to fully praise it (lines 13-14).

Throughout the sonnet, various poetic techniques are employed to enhance the themes and emotions conveyed. Metaphors, such as the "chronicle of wasted time," create a powerful image of time as a book of unproductive moments. Alliteration and imagery are used to evoke a sense of beauty and musicality in the sonnet. Personification and hyperbole add depth and emotional resonance, emphasizing the limitations of language in capturing the essence of beauty.

Overall, Sonnet 106 explores the transient nature of beauty and the power it holds in defying the effects of time. The poem invites reflection on the limitations of language in expressing the true worth of beauty, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and admiration for the beauty of the present.

Themes

The themes present in Sonnet 106 by William Shakespeare include:

1. Time and Transience: The sonnet contemplates the passage of time and its impact on beauty. It portrays time as a "chronicle of wasted time" (line 1), suggesting that time can diminish beauty and render it obsolete. The poet explores the fleeting nature of beauty and its ability to transcend time.

2. Beauty and Aesthetics: The sonnet celebrates the power and allure of beauty. It emphasizes the beauty of individuals, particularly the physical features associated with beauty such as the hand, foot, lip, eye, and brow. The poet suggests that beauty has the ability to revive old verses and make them beautiful again. The sonnet also examines the subjective nature of beauty, highlighting the admiration and awe it evokes.

3. The Limitations of Language: The poem reflects on the limitations of language in capturing the true essence of beauty. The poet suggests that descriptions and praises of beauty in the past were incomplete or inadequate, lacking the skill to fully express the worth of the person being addressed. This theme emphasizes the idea that beauty transcends words and cannot be fully captured or articulated through language.

4. Appreciation of the Present: Sonnet 106 emphasizes the importance of appreciating the beauty of the present moment. It suggests that the beauty of the present surpasses that of the past, foreshadowing the beauty that will be praised in the future. The poem invites the reader to marvel at the wonders of the present, despite the limitations of language in expressing admiration.

5. Legacy and Prophecy: The sonnet touches upon the concept of legacy and prophecy regarding beauty. It suggests that the descriptions and praises of beauty in the past served as prophecies, foreseeing the beauty that exists in the present. This theme explores the idea that beauty transcends time and continues to inspire admiration and awe across generations.

These themes collectively explore the ephemeral nature of beauty, the limitations of language in capturing its essence, and the importance of appreciating the beauty of the present moment.

Short summary

Sonnet 106 by William Shakespeare is a contemplation on the themes of time, beauty, and the limitations of language. The poet reflects on the passing of time and the descriptions of beauty found in the chronicles of the past. He compares the beauty described in the past to the present beauty, suggesting that the present beauty surpasses that of the past. The poem highlights the inadequacy of language in fully capturing the worth and essence of beauty, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the beauty of the present moment. Ultimately, the sonnet explores the transient nature of beauty and its ability to transcend time.