Poem Analysis - Sonnet 2 When Forty Winters Shall Besiege Thy Brow

The Inevitable March of Time: An Introduction to Sonnet 2

Shakespeare's Sonnet 2 is a persuasive and slightly melancholic exploration of aging and the importance of procreation. The poem begins with a stark vision of future decay, vividly depicting the effects of time on beauty. While the initial tone is somewhat bleak and cautionary, it shifts towards a more hopeful and encouraging perspective as the poem progresses. Ultimately, the sonnet advocates for the preservation of beauty through offspring, offering a solution to the ravages of time.

War and Decay: The Imagery of Aging

Shakespeare utilizes powerful military and agricultural imagery to illustrate the destructive power of time. The opening lines portray aging as an attacking force, with "forty winters" actively "besiege[ing]" the brow. This creates a sense of relentless assault. The metaphor extends to "dig deep trenches in thy beauty's field," suggesting a violation and scarring of what was once fertile and vibrant. This imagery emphasizes the aggressive and irreversible nature of aging, transforming youthful beauty into a battlefield ravaged by time. The "tattered weed" metaphor further diminishes the future value of beauty, contrasting sharply with the "youth's proud livery," which is now merely a worn-out garment.

Legacy and Remembrance: Themes of Mortality and Procreation

One of the central themes is the inevitability of mortality and the decay of physical beauty. The poem directly confronts the question of what remains when beauty fades. However, the sonnet pivots to offer procreation as a means of defying this decay. The "fair child" becomes a testament to the parent's beauty, a living answer to the question of where that beauty has gone. This introduces the theme of legacy, suggesting that children are a way to extend one's existence and preserve one's beauty beyond the limitations of a single lifetime. The sonnet implies that having children is not just about physical continuation, but about creating a lasting representation of oneself.

The Shame of Sterility: Reputation and Remembrance

The poem highlights the social pressure to procreate, suggesting that failing to do so would result in "all-eating shame, and thriftless praise." This is a significant point, reflecting the societal expectations of Shakespeare's time (and, arguably, even today). To be unable to point to offspring as proof of one's past vitality is portrayed as a personal failure. Conversely, having a child who embodies one's beauty is seen as "deserved praise" and a validation of one's existence. The contrast between "shame" and "praise" underscores the importance placed on continuing one's lineage and leaving a mark on the world through one's descendants. The poem subtly implies that the individual's reputation and remembrance are intricately linked to their ability to reproduce.

Warm Blood, New Life: A Conclusion on Regeneration

In conclusion, Sonnet 2 is a compelling argument for the perpetuation of beauty through procreation, framed against the backdrop of inevitable aging and mortality. The poem uses vivid imagery and a shift in tone from cautionary to encouraging to persuade the reader of the value of having children. The final couplet, "This were to be new made when thou art old, / And see thy blood warm when thou feel’st it cold," powerfully encapsulates the idea that offspring provide a form of regeneration, a way to experience youth and vitality vicariously even as one ages. Ultimately, the sonnet suggests that through children, one can transcend the limitations of mortality and leave a lasting legacy of beauty and life.