Poem Analysis - Sonnet 115 Those Lines That I Before Have Writ Do Lie

Introduction: A Confession of Evolving Affection

Shakespeare's Sonnet 115 is a fascinating exploration of the ever-changing nature of love and the human experience. The poem begins with a confession, a retraction of previous declarations of undying affection. The speaker grapples with the limitations of language to capture the present moment, recognizing that love, like all things, is subject to the relentless influence of time. While the initial tone is one of self-reproach, it transitions into a hopeful acceptance of love's potential for growth.

The Tyranny of Time and Change

One of the central themes of Sonnet 115 is the destructive power of time. Shakespeare personifies Time as a force that "creeps in 'twixt vows, and change decrees of kings." This image emphasizes the all-encompassing and inescapable influence of time on human affairs. The lines "Tan sacred beauty, blunt the sharp’st intents, / Divert strong minds to the course of alt’ring things" further illustrate how time erodes ideals, diminishes passion, and redirects even the most steadfast intentions. The speaker fears that the love he expresses now may later be diminished or altered by the passage of time, revealing a deep-seated anxiety about the impermanence of all things.

Love's Capacity for Growth

Despite the recognition of time's destructive potential, the poem also presents love as a dynamic and evolving force. The speaker questions why he didn't declare his love "Now I love you best," realizing that such a statement would have been premature. This introduces the idea that love is not a static entity but rather a process of continuous growth and deepening connection. The final couplet, "Love is a babe; then might I not say so, / To give full growth to that which still doth grow," encapsulates this theme perfectly. The image of love as a "babe" suggests immaturity and potential, implying that the best is yet to come.

Imagery of Impermanence and Potential

Shakespeare employs several vivid images to convey the themes of impermanence and potential within the poem. The phrase "millioned accidents" highlights the countless unforeseen events that can impact human relationships. The act of Time to "Tan sacred beauty" is a visual reminder of decay, the fading nature of beauty. The image of the babe is a potent symbol of innocence and the possibility of future growth, emphasizing the speaker's newfound understanding that love is not a finite resource, but something that can always deepen and mature. There is ambiguity about the "incertainty" the speaker discusses. Is that incertainty the future that time brings, or the uncertainty about love itself?

Conclusion: Embracing the Unfolding Nature of Affection

In conclusion, Sonnet 115 is a complex and insightful exploration of love in the face of time's relentless march. The poem acknowledges the limitations of language to capture the ever-changing present moment, but ultimately embraces the idea that love is not a static entity but rather a dynamic force with the potential for continuous growth. Shakespeare's sonnet encourages us to accept the uncertainty of the future and to appreciate the unfolding nature of affection, recognizing that the best expressions of love may still lie ahead.