Poem Analysis - Sonnet 122 Thy Gift Thy Tables Are Within My Brain

Introduction: An Eternal Record of Love

Sonnet 122 is a powerful declaration of unwavering love and memory. The poem conveys a tone of confident assurance, suggesting the speaker's love is so deeply ingrained that physical reminders are unnecessary. There's a shift from the tangible to the intangible, emphasizing the superior power of the mind in preserving affection. The sonnet celebrates the enduring nature of love etched within the speaker's very being, promising a record more lasting than any external object.

Love's Interior Landscape

One of the primary themes is the interiority of love. Shakespeare moves the concept of love from the external world of "gift" and "tables" (writing tablets) to the internal world of "brain" and "heart." The poem suggests that true love resides not in physical objects, but within the individual. The lines "Thy gift, thy tables, are within my brain / Full charactered with lasting memory" emphasize the mind as the ultimate repository of love, implying that this internal record is more potent and enduring than any external token. This internalization creates a sense of intimacy and personal connection.

Memory and Permanence

The theme of memory and permanence is intricately woven throughout the sonnet. The speaker dismisses the need for "tallies" or external reminders, asserting that the beloved's image is permanently etched in their mind. The phrase "lasting memory" signifies the desire to preserve the essence of the relationship indefinitely. The lines "Which shall above that idle rank remain / Beyond all date even to eternity" further elevate the power of memory, suggesting it can transcend time and even death. The poem presents memory as a form of immortality, ensuring that the love will persist even when physical existence ceases.

The Futility of External Reminders

A compelling theme is the futility of external reminders in capturing the essence of true love. The speaker's bold act of giving away the writing tablets signifies a rejection of superficial tokens. The lines "Therefore to give them from me was I bold, / To trust those tables that receive thee more" suggest that the mind, as a receptacle of love, is far superior to any physical object. The poem implies that relying on external reminders actually diminishes the purity and depth of the love by suggesting a need to compensate for a perceived lack of internal memory. The very act of needing an external reminder is equated with a form of forgetting: "To keep an adjunct to remember thee / Were to import forgetfulness in me."

Symbolism of Tables and Brain

The poem employs potent symbolism, particularly through the contrasting images of "tables" and "brain." The "tables" represent the conventional, external means of recording information, like writing tablets used for jotting down notes or keeping score. They are fragile and susceptible to decay. In contrast, the "brain" symbolizes the internal capacity for memory and emotion, presented as a more robust and enduring repository. The speaker sees the brain as a space "full charactered" with the beloved, implying a complete and indelible imprint. The act of trusting the brain over the tables elevates the internal world as the true and permanent dwelling place of love. Is it possible that the "tables" also symbolize social conventions or expectations about how love should be expressed, which the speaker rejects in favor of a more authentic, internalized experience?

Conclusion: Love's Enduring Legacy

In summary, Sonnet 122 is a celebration of the power of memory and the enduring nature of true love. The poem elevates the internal experience of love, suggesting that it surpasses any external representation. By rejecting tangible reminders, the speaker affirms the profound and lasting imprint of the beloved within their mind. The sonnet ultimately conveys a powerful message about the capacity of the human heart and brain to preserve and cherish love, creating a legacy that transcends time and mortality. It shows that true love lives not in possessions but in the heart.