Poem Analysis - Sonnet 13 O That You Were Your Self But Love You Are

A Plea for Procreation: Introduction

Shakespeare's Sonnet 13 is a passionate and persuasive argument directed at a beloved individual, urging them to have children. The poem expresses a sense of urgency and concern about the beloved's mortality and the potential loss of their beauty. Initially, the tone is wistful and almost lamenting, but it quickly shifts to a more direct and forceful plea, culminating in a gentle appeal to familial duty. The overall impression is one of deep affection intertwined with a practical desire to preserve beauty and legacy.

The Shadow of Mortality: Themes of Loss and Legacy

One of the central themes is the inescapable nature of mortality. The poem opens with the lament, "O, that you were your self!" acknowledging that the beloved is only temporarily in possession of their own being. This idea is further reinforced by phrases like "coming end," "yourself's decease," and "death's eternal cold," all painting a vivid picture of the fleeting nature of life. The counterpoint to mortality is the theme of legacy. The speaker argues that the only way to truly conquer death is through procreation, ensuring that the beloved's "sweet semblance" is passed on to a new generation. In this way, the poem subtly explores the anxieties surrounding the loss of beauty and the desire to leave a lasting mark on the world.

Beauty as a Leased Property: Transient Beauty

The concept of beauty is presented not as an inherent right, but as something held "in lease," subject to "determination." This legalistic image suggests that beauty is a temporary possession, bound to expire. The speaker emphasizes the importance of renewing this lease through having children, thereby perpetuating the beloved's beauty beyond their own lifetime. The poem frames the idea of having offspring as a way to extend the existence of beauty, thereby making it no longer transient.

Houses and Heirs: Potent Imagery

The poem utilizes striking imagery to convey its message. The most prominent is the metaphor of the body as a "fair house" that is susceptible to decay. This house represents not only physical beauty but also the potential for lineage and continuation. The act of procreation is likened to "husbandry," suggesting that having children is a responsible and honorable way to "uphold" this house against the ravages of time ("stormy gusts of winter’s day / And barren rage of death’s eternal cold"). The contrast between a well-maintained house and one that is allowed to "fall to decay" highlights the speaker's concern about the beloved's choice to remain childless. Is this imagery meant to suggest some form of selfishness on the part of the beloved? The poem doesn't explicitly state this, but it certainly leaves the possibility open for interpretation.

An Echo of Generations: Final Reflection

Sonnet 13 is ultimately a persuasive plea for procreation, fueled by a deep appreciation for the beloved's beauty and a fear of its inevitable loss. Through vivid imagery and a strategic shift in tone, the poem underscores the importance of legacy and the power of reproduction to transcend mortality. The final lines, "You had a father; let your son say so," serve as a poignant reminder of familial duty and the cyclical nature of life, urging the beloved to embrace their responsibility to future generations.