Poem Analysis - Sonnet 118 Like As To Make Our Appetite More Keen

An Experiment Gone Awry: Introduction to Sonnet 118

Shakespeare’s Sonnet 118 explores the paradoxical nature of love and the self-inflicted suffering that can arise from a desire to anticipate and avoid future pain. The poem's tone begins with a sense of experimental curiosity, comparing the speaker’s actions to someone deliberately making themselves ill to avoid a worse sickness. However, the mood shifts as the speaker realizes the foolishness of their actions and acknowledges the unintended consequences of seeking preemptive remedies. Ultimately, the poem concludes with a tone of regret and hard-won wisdom, recognizing the dangers of unnecessary intervention in a relationship that was, in fact, flourishing.

The Bitter Medicine of Doubt: Theme of Love and Longing

One central theme in Sonnet 118 is the complex and sometimes self-destructive nature of love. The speaker, seemingly secure in the "ne'er-cloying sweetness" of their relationship, paradoxically seeks out "bitter sauces" and "diseased" states. This behavior reveals a deep-seated anxiety about the potential for future unhappiness, a desire to proactively immunize themselves against heartbreak. Shakespeare uses the medical and culinary metaphors throughout the poem to underscore the idea that the speaker is trying to control and manipulate their emotions, treating love as a condition that needs to be managed rather than a natural and enjoyable experience. The "ills that were not" become "faults assured" as the speaker creates problems where none existed, suggesting that doubt and fear can be more damaging to love than external threats.

Preemptive Suffering: Theme of Self-Inflicted Pain

A second key theme is the exploration of self-inflicted pain. The speaker actively seeks out discomfort ("sicken to shun sickness") as a form of preventative medicine, ironically causing the very suffering they hope to avoid. This theme highlights the human tendency to sabotage happiness out of fear or insecurity. The image of taking "drugs" that ultimately "poison him" encapsulates the idea that unnecessary interventions can be more harmful than beneficial. The speaker's actions illustrate a profound lack of trust in the natural course of the relationship, leading to a situation where their efforts to protect themselves ultimately undermine their own well-being.

The Poison of "Policy": Theme of False Wisdom

The theme of false wisdom, manifested through the speaker’s "policy in love," is central to the poem's meaning. The speaker's attempts to "anticipate" and control the future prove to be misguided and ultimately destructive. The phrase "rank of goodness" suggests that an excess of something positive can become harmful, implying that the speaker's relationship was so good that it bred a kind of complacency or suspicion. The imagery of "medicine" turning into "poison" serves as a potent symbol of how well-intentioned actions, driven by a desire for control, can backfire spectacularly. Shakespeare questions whether excessive strategizing and preemptive measures are truly beneficial in matters of the heart, or if they simply pave the way for self-fulfilling prophecies of unhappiness. Is the policy a way to sabotage the relationship from the beginning, a way to validate the feeling that good things never last?

A Bitter Pill: Conclusion

In conclusion, Sonnet 118 offers a poignant exploration of the human tendency to complicate and undermine our own happiness. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Shakespeare reveals the dangers of seeking preemptive solutions to non-existent problems. The speaker's misguided attempts to immunize themselves against heartache ultimately lead to self-inflicted pain and a hard-won realization that sometimes, the best course of action is to trust in the natural flow of love and avoid the temptation to meddle with a good thing. The poem serves as a cautionary tale about the corrosive effects of doubt and the importance of embracing the present moment rather than obsessing over potential future misfortunes.