Poem Analysis - Sonnet 106 When In The Chronicle Of Wasted Time

A Timeless Beauty

Shakespeare's Sonnet 106 is a reverent ode to the surpassing beauty of the poem's subject. The speaker reflects on past depictions of beauty, realizing they were merely foreshadowing the unparalleled loveliness he now witnesses. The poem begins with a tone of historical contemplation, shifts to fervent admiration, and concludes with a sense of inadequacy in expressing such profound beauty. The overall impression is one of awe and the recognition of a timeless quality embodied in the beloved.

Prophecies of Perfection

One dominant theme in Sonnet 106 is the transcendence of beauty. The speaker suggests that historical accounts of "fairest wights" and "ladies dead" were not ends in themselves but rather imperfect previews of the current beloved. The line "So all their praises are but prophecies / Of this our time, all you prefiguring," explicitly states that past beauties were merely shadows anticipating a greater reality. The poem implies that true beauty is not confined to any particular era but exists as an ideal that can be glimpsed throughout history, finding its ultimate expression in the subject of the poem.

The Limitations of Language

The poem also explores the inadequacy of language to capture the essence of profound beauty. While past poets attempted to describe beauty, their "antique pen[s]" lacked the skill to truly capture the magnificence the speaker now beholds. This sentiment culminates in the final couplet: "For we, which now behold these present days, / Have eyes to wonder, but lack tongues to praise." The speaker acknowledges that even witnessing such beauty firsthand leaves him speechless, highlighting the limitations of human expression in the face of perfection. The sonnet implicitly argues that true beauty surpasses description and can only be experienced through awe and wonder.

Seeing and Believing

Another key theme is the power of vision and perception. The phrase "divining eyes" suggests that past poets, though limited in their descriptive abilities, possessed a certain insight that allowed them to glimpse the future beauty. The speaker emphasizes the act of "behold[ing]" the present beauty, implying that seeing is believing. However, even with the benefit of direct observation, the speaker still feels unable to adequately express the impact of what he sees. This creates a tension between the act of seeing and the ability to translate that vision into words. The eyes "wonder" but the "tongues" remain tied, emphasizing the subjective and ultimately ineffable nature of beauty.

Symbolism of the "Chronicle"

The "chronicle of wasted time" functions as a key symbol in the poem. It represents the historical record of human endeavors, including artistic attempts to capture beauty. However, by labeling it "wasted time," the speaker suggests that these past efforts were ultimately insufficient, falling short of the true ideal. The chronicle becomes a foil against which the beauty of the present subject is contrasted. The poem reframes history not as a collection of achievements, but as a series of imperfect attempts, all leading towards the realization of the present, unsurpassed beauty.

A Legacy of Beauty

In conclusion, Sonnet 106 is a powerful declaration of admiration that transcends time. Shakespeare uses the historical context of past artistic endeavors to elevate the beauty of his subject, suggesting that all previous attempts were merely foreshadowing this ultimate manifestation. The poem highlights the limitations of language in capturing such profound beauty, emphasizing the power of vision and the inadequacy of expression. Ultimately, the sonnet suggests that true beauty possesses a timeless quality, capable of inspiring awe and wonder across generations.