Poem Analysis - Sonnet 46 Mine Eye And Heart Are At A Mortal War

A Civil War Within

Shakespeare's Sonnet 46 presents an internal conflict, a battle raging between the speaker's eye and heart over the ownership of the beloved's image. The poem begins with a tone of struggle and legalistic dispute, gradually resolving into a compromise. The overall mood is one of intellectual debate, where emotions are carefully dissected and arguments are presented with the precision of a lawyer. The poem ultimately offers a resolution that acknowledges the distinct yet interconnected roles of physical attraction and emotional connection.

The Theater of the Mind

While direct historical context isn't crucial to understanding this particular sonnet, it's helpful to remember the sonnets were popular in the Elizabethan era. The very act of writing a sonnet, a form demanding order and control, suggests a desire to manage and understand strong emotions. Shakespeare's facility with language and imagery is evident in this poem's ability to turn an internal struggle into a dramatic courtroom scene.

The Duality of Love

One main theme is the duality of love, specifically the tension between physical attraction and emotional connection. The eye desires the "outward part," the physical beauty of the beloved, while the heart claims the "inward love of heart," the emotional essence and connection. This division highlights the complexity of love, suggesting it is not a singular feeling but a combination of sensory and emotional experiences. The poem carefully explores both aspects, avoiding a judgment on which is superior but rather acknowledging both are essential components of love.

Images of Imprisonment and Justice

The poem utilizes striking imagery related to law and confinement. The heart is described as "a closet never pierced with crystal eyes," suggesting a private, almost secretive space where the beloved resides in memory and emotion. This image implies a sense of exclusivity and protection. Conversely, the legal language ("mortal war," "plead," "defendant," "title," "impanelled," "quest," "verdict," "determinèd") transforms the internal struggle into a formal courtroom drama. This suggests the speaker is attempting to rationally understand and resolve the conflict through reason and logic. The "quest of thoughts" acts as a jury, carefully considering the evidence and reaching a verdict.

Compromise and Integration

The poem's resolution, where the eye is granted the "outward part" and the heart the "inward love," offers a compelling insight into the nature of love and relationships. This seemingly simple division is significant because it suggests that both aspects are necessary and can coexist. The eye's appreciation of beauty and the heart's emotional connection are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary elements of a complete and fulfilling love. The "moiety," or share, given to each suggests not a loss, but rather a proper allocation of what each deserves. Sonnet 46 underscores Shakespeare's sophisticated understanding of human relationships and the internal negotiations that shape our experiences of love.