Poem Analysis - Sonnet 107 Not Mine Own Fears Nor The Prophetic Soul

Introduction: Triumph Over Fear and Time

Shakespeare's Sonnet 107 is a powerful declaration of love's enduring strength against the forces of fear, time, and even death. The poem begins with a tone of relief, a sense of having overcome a period of uncertainty and dread. As it progresses, the mood shifts to one of confident assurance, culminating in a triumphant celebration of love's immortality preserved through the power of poetry. The sonnet ultimately asserts that love, immortalized in verse, will outlive even the grandest monuments of earthly power.

Historical Echoes and Possible Occasions

While the exact historical event referenced in Sonnet 107 remains a subject of scholarly debate, many believe it alludes to the end of Queen Elizabeth I's reign and the succession of King James I in 1603. The "mortal moon" is often interpreted as Queen Elizabeth, whose reign was coming to an end. The "sad augurs mock their own presage" could refer to those who predicted instability or turmoil upon her death, predictions that proved false with the relatively smooth transition of power. This historical context lends weight to the poem's themes of overcoming fear and uncertainty.

Love's Enduring Power: A Central Theme

One of the central themes of Sonnet 107 is the **enduring power of love**. Shakespeare asserts that his love transcends the limitations of time and mortality. The opening lines dismiss the "prophetic soul / Of the wide world" and "mine own fears" as forces that cannot "control" his love. This immediately establishes love as something powerful and resistant. The imagery of "peace proclaims olives of endless age" suggests a newfound security and stability that allows love to flourish, further emphasizing its ability to thrive even in uncertain times. The poem culminates in the idea that his love will live on in his poetry, defying death and time.

The Triumph Over Mortality: An Act of Defiance

The theme of **triumph over mortality** is inextricably linked to the power of art. The lines, "Death to me subscribes, / Since spite of him I'll live in this poor rhyme," are a bold declaration of poetry's ability to conquer death. Shakespeare argues that through his verse, he and his beloved will achieve a kind of immortality. The phrase "poor rhyme" is an example of modesty, but it is in sharp contrast to the immortalising effect of the art itself. The power of art to outlive both the artist and the subject is a traditional theme, and in this poem it is the way Shakespeare declares triumph over mortality.

Art as Immortality: The Poet's Legacy

The poem also explores the theme of **art as a source of immortality**. The concluding couplet, "And thou in this shalt find thy monument, / When tyrants’ crests and tombs of brass are spent," reinforces this idea. The "monument" is the poem itself, a far more enduring testament to love than any physical structure. The image of "tyrants’ crests and tombs of brass" highlights the transience of earthly power and grandeur, contrasting it with the lasting power of art. Shakespeare suggests that while the powerful may build imposing monuments to themselves, these will ultimately crumble and be forgotten, whereas his verse will preserve his love for eternity.

Imagery of Renewal: A Fresh Perspective

The poem contains several striking images that contribute to its overall message. The "mortal moon" represents the aging Queen Elizabeth I. The imagery of "this most balmy time" suggests a period of renewal and flourishing, directly benefiting his love, which "looks fresh." This image evokes a sense of revitalization and hope, as though love itself is rejuvenated by the changing circumstances. The contrast between the crumbling "tombs of brass" and the enduring power of the poem creates a vivid sense of the fleeting nature of earthly power and the lasting impact of art.

Conclusion: A Lasting Testament to Love

In conclusion, Sonnet 107 is a powerful affirmation of love's resilience and the transformative power of art. The poem moves from a state of uncertainty and relief to a confident assertion of love's immortality. By contrasting the fleeting nature of earthly power with the enduring legacy of poetry, Shakespeare underscores the idea that true love, captured in verse, can transcend the limitations of time and mortality. This sonnet ultimately serves as a lasting monument, not only to the poet's love but also to the enduring power of art itself.