Poem Analysis - Sonnet 136 If Thy Soul Check Thee That I Come So Near

Introduction: A Plea for Acceptance

Shakespeare's Sonnet 136 is a persuasive, almost pleading, poem where the speaker, Will, attempts to convince his beloved to accept him despite his perceived insignificance. The tone is initially somewhat desperate, as the speaker tries to circumvent any hesitation the beloved might feel. However, it shifts towards a more confident and playful assertion as the poem progresses, culminating in a clever pun on his name. The poem is ultimately a declaration of love intertwined with a clever wordplay on the speaker’s name, "Will."

Love's Logic: Overcoming Resistance

One of the main themes of the poem is love and acceptance in the face of self-doubt or societal constraints. The opening lines, "If thy soul check thee that I come so near, Swear to thy blind soul that I was thy Will," suggest the beloved is hesitant, perhaps feeling guilt or uncertainty about their feelings. The speaker urges them to override this hesitation, to convince themselves that accepting him is fulfilling their own desires ("will"). The speaker constructs a logic that allows the beloved to embrace him, even if it means overlooking his perceived flaws. This speaks to a willingness to compromise and rationalize love, even if it seems illogical to others.

The Paradox of Identity: One Among Many, Something from Nothing

Another significant theme revolves around identity and insignificance. The lines "Among a number one is reckoned none" and "Then in the number let me pass untold" highlight the speaker’s perceived lack of importance. He acknowledges that he might seem insignificant within the grand scheme of things, a mere "one" among many. However, he cleverly subverts this idea by arguing that even as "nothing" to others, he can be a "something" to the beloved ("For nothing hold me, so it please thee hold / That nothing me, a something, sweet, to thee."). This paradox underscores the power of love to transform the insignificant into something meaningful and cherished. It’s a plea to be valued not for inherent worth, but for the potential to bring joy and fulfillment to the beloved.

"Will" as Symbol: Name, Desire, and Fulfillment

The most recurring and potent symbol in the poem is the speaker's name, "Will." This is used not just as a proper noun but also as a representation of desire, intention, and the act of choosing. The lines "Will will fulfil the treasure of thy love, / Ay, fill it full with wills, and my will one" demonstrate this clever wordplay. "Will" signifies both the speaker himself and the beloved's own volition. By fulfilling "Will," the speaker suggests, the beloved also fulfills their own desires. It suggests that loving the speaker is synonymous with embracing their own happiness and achieving a state of complete fulfillment. The use of "Will" is a complex and multi-layered symbol, acting as a pun that ultimately suggests the speaker is the key to the beloved's happiness.

Conclusion: Love's Linguistic Embrace

In conclusion, Sonnet 136 is a fascinating exploration of love, identity, and acceptance through the clever manipulation of language. The speaker, using wordplay on his name "Will," attempts to convince his beloved to embrace him, despite any reservations they might have. The poem moves from a tone of anxious persuasion to one of confident assertion, highlighting the transformative power of love to elevate the seemingly insignificant. Ultimately, the sonnet’s significance lies in its testament to the power of language and self-perception in shaping the dynamics of love and desire. It offers a unique perspective on how individual identity can be intertwined with, and perhaps even defined by, the affection of another.