Poem Analysis - Sonnet 68 Thus Is His Cheek The Map Of Days Outworn

Introduction: A Lament for Natural Beauty

Shakespeare's Sonnet 68 is a powerful ode to natural beauty, contrasting it with the artificial enhancements prevalent in his time. The poem carries a tone of reverence, almost mourning, for a time when beauty was inherent and unadorned. It suggests a moral decay in the pursuit of beauty, with a subtle shift towards admiration for the youth's natural resemblance to this bygone era. The speaker seems to suggest that natural beauty is superior to artificial means and that the young man embodies the true essence of beauty.

The Allure of Authenticity in a World of Artifice

One of the primary themes of Sonnet 68 is the contrast between natural beauty and artificial adornment. Shakespeare laments a past "When beauty lived and died as flowers do now," suggesting a natural cycle of bloom and decay, a beauty that is inherently honest. This contrasts sharply with the "bastard signs of fair," artificial enhancements like wigs made from "the golden tresses of the dead," that seek to mimic beauty but ultimately fall short. The youth, in contrast, embodies the true beauty of the past, unburdened by artifice. The emphasis on "without all ornament, itself and true" further reinforces the value of authenticity over artificiality.

Mortality's Mark: Past Beauty Preserved

The poem grapples with the theme of mortality. The reference to "days outworn" and "the dead" highlights the transient nature of beauty. The stolen hair from "sepulchres" serves as a stark reminder of death, yet paradoxically, this hair is used to create a false semblance of life and beauty on another's head. The young man becomes a living map of the past, a testament to a time when beauty was not artificially prolonged or imitated, but a natural part of the life cycle. Nature "stores" him "as for a map" to display this truth to future generations.

Imagery of Theft and Resurrection: A Moral Dichotomy

The poem contains striking imagery, particularly the image of hair being "shorn away" from the dead to "live a second life on second head." This image is morally questionable, suggesting a violation of the natural order and a desperate attempt to cheat death and decay. The phrase "beauty's dead fleece made another gay" further emphasizes this unsettling idea. The image of the "map" is a recurring symbol, suggesting that the youth is a living record of a more virtuous past. His "cheek" serves as a reminder of what true beauty looked like before it became corrupted by artificial enhancements. The image of "robbing no old to dress his beauty new" illustrates the speaker's respect and fondness for the natural beauty of the young man.

Conclusion: A Timeless Reflection on Beauty and Time

In conclusion, Sonnet 68 is a poignant reflection on the nature of beauty and the passage of time. Shakespeare contrasts the genuine, albeit transient, beauty of the past with the artificial enhancements of his present. The poem praises the youth as a living embodiment of this bygone beauty, a "map" that reveals the true essence of beauty to a world increasingly reliant on artifice. The poem's enduring significance lies in its timeless exploration of authenticity, mortality, and the pursuit of beauty in a world obsessed with appearances.