Poem Analysis - Sonnet 12 When I Do Count The Clock That Tells The Time

Introduction: A Meditation on Time and Beauty

Shakespeare's Sonnet 12 is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and its inevitable effect on beauty. The poem opens with a melancholic tone, observing the decay of nature and the aging process. As the sonnet progresses, a sense of urgency arises as the speaker contemplates the beloved's mortality. The poem ultimately offers a solution, suggesting that procreation is the only way to defy time's destructive power. The overall mood shifts from observation to concern, and finally to a determined resolution.

The Ravages of Time: A Central Theme

One of the poem’s primary themes is the destructive nature of time. Shakespeare vividly illustrates this through a series of images representing decay and loss. The "brave day sunk in hideous night" symbolizes the fading of youth and vitality. Similarly, the "violet past prime" and "sable curls all silvered o’er with white" represent the aging and diminishing beauty of the natural world and, by extension, the subject of the poem. The phrase "wastes of time" underscores the inevitable and irreversible nature of this process, emphasizing the feeling that all beauty and sweetness are destined to disappear.

Mortality and the Fear of Loss

Closely linked to the theme of time's destruction is the theme of mortality. The speaker grapples with the fear of losing the beloved to the relentless march of time. The lines "Then of thy beauty do I question make / That thou among the wastes of time must go" express this anxiety directly. The image of "Summer's green all girded up in sheaves / Borne on the bier with white and bristly beard" evokes a funeral procession, further emphasizing the inevitability of death and the sense of loss associated with it. This creates a somber and reflective mood, driving the speaker to find a way to combat this inevitable fate.

Immortality Through Procreation: A Possible Solution

The poem proposes a solution to the problem of time and mortality: procreation. The final couplet, "And nothing ‘gainst Time’s scythe can make defence / Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence," offers a direct answer. Here, "breed" refers to offspring, suggesting that having children is the only way to achieve a form of immortality. The image of "Time’s scythe" is a stark reminder of death's inevitability, but the speaker believes that through children, the beloved's beauty and essence can live on, defying time's destructive power. This introduces a more hopeful tone, suggesting a way to overcome the anxieties expressed earlier in the poem.

Recurring Images: Nature's Cycle of Decay

Throughout the sonnet, Shakespeare employs vivid imagery drawn from nature to illustrate the effects of time. The "violet past prime" and "lofty trees...barren of leaves" are powerful symbols of decay and the natural cycle of life and death. These images are not merely decorative; they serve to emphasize the universal and unavoidable nature of time's impact. The contrast between the "brave day" and "hideous night" creates a strong visual representation of the transition from youth and vitality to age and decline. These recurring images reinforce the poem's central theme of time's destructive power over beauty.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Beauty

In conclusion, Sonnet 12 is a powerful exploration of time, mortality, and the enduring nature of beauty. The poem masterfully uses imagery and tone to convey a sense of melancholy and urgency, ultimately offering a solution in the form of procreation. Shakespeare suggests that while individual beauty may fade, it can be preserved through future generations. The sonnet serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving a lasting legacy. The final message is one of hope, suggesting that even in the face of inevitable decay, there is a way to defy time's destructive power and ensure that beauty endures.