Poem Analysis - Sonnet 85 My Tongue Tied Muse In Manners Holds Her Still

Introduction: Silent Devotion

Shakespeare's Sonnet 85 explores a unique form of love and admiration. The speaker contrasts his own silence with the eloquent praises offered by others, suggesting that true devotion lies not in grand pronouncements but in deep, unspoken feelings. The tone is initially self-deprecating, almost apologetic, but shifts toward a quiet confidence in the power of silent thought. While acknowledging the skill of those who write beautifully about the beloved, the speaker ultimately asserts the value of his own, more profound, yet unexpressed, affection. The sonnet subtly argues that actions and thoughts can speak louder than words.

The Eloquence of Silence: A Primary Theme

One of the central themes is the contrast between outward expression and inward feeling. The poem begins by highlighting the speaker’s "tongue-tied Muse," implying an inability to articulate his admiration. This is juxtaposed with the "comments of your praise, richly compiled," written by others with "golden quill" and "precious phrase." The speaker sees his own role as merely echoing their sentiments, likening himself to an "unlettered clerk" simply saying "Amen." However, this seemingly humble position reveals a deeper theme: that true love transcends the need for elaborate language. His internal "good thoughts" and love, though unspoken, "holds his rank before" the words of others. This suggests that the intensity of feeling, even when unvoiced, is a powerful expression of devotion in itself.

The Value of Authentic Feeling over Artful Expression

The poem explores the theme of authenticity versus superficiality. While the others are praised for their "well-refinèd pen" and "polished form," the speaker implies that their eloquence might be more about the art of writing than the depth of feeling. He suggests that his own silence, born from an overwhelming emotion that surpasses linguistic capability, is more genuine. The "breath of words" that others are respected for is contrasted with his "dumb thoughts," which, he claims, are "speaking in effect." This highlights a belief that true emotion communicates even without explicit verbalization. The poem thus values the sincere, albeit inarticulate, heart over the skilled but potentially less heartfelt, pen.

Inner Richness and The Power of Thought

A key theme in the poem is the power of inner thought and feeling. The speaker emphasizes that his love exists primarily in his thoughts: "But that is in my thought, whose love to you… holds his rank before." He contrasts his internal world with the external expressions of others, suggesting that his love is a profound, internal experience. The phrase "speaking in effect" hints that his actions and attitude, motivated by his thoughts, convey his love more effectively than words ever could. This highlights the idea that love is not just about what one says, but about what one feels and how one acts as a result of those feelings. It presents a unique perspective on love, one that values the unspoken and unseen.

Golden Quill and Dumb Thoughts: Recurring Imagery

The poem uses the recurring image of the "golden quill" to symbolize the artful expression of praise. This image represents the skill and elegance of those who can articulate their admiration in beautiful language. In contrast, the speaker presents his "dumb thoughts," symbolizing his inability to express his feelings through words. While the "golden quill" suggests outward display, the "dumb thoughts" represent a deeper, more internal experience. The juxtaposition of these two images creates a tension within the poem, highlighting the contrast between outward eloquence and inward feeling. The final line, asserting that his "dumb thoughts" are "speaking in effect," suggests that actions and emotions can be more powerful than words. Perhaps the poem questions whether beautiful words are merely a performance, obscuring true feeling, or whether they truly reflect the depth of emotion.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Silent Love

In conclusion, Sonnet 85 is a subtle yet powerful exploration of love and devotion. By contrasting his own silence with the eloquent praises of others, Shakespeare suggests that true affection lies not in grand pronouncements but in the depth of unspoken feeling. The poem challenges conventional notions of expression, arguing that actions and thoughts can speak louder than words. It offers a unique perspective on love, one that values the sincere, albeit inarticulate, heart over the skilled, but potentially less heartfelt, pen, leaving the reader to ponder the true measure of love and devotion. The poem's significance lies in its affirmation of the power of silence and the profound impact of inner thought.