Sonnet 106 by William Shakespeare | When in the chronicle of wasted time | Sonnet 106 | William Shakespeare | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Critical Appreciation | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Sonnet 106
When in the chronicle of wasted time
(William Shakespeare)
When in the chronicle of wasted time
I see descriptions of the fairest wights,
And beauty making beautiful old rhyme
In praise of ladies dead and lovely knights,
Then, in the blazon of sweet beauty’s best,
Of hand, of foot, of lip, of eye, of brow,
I see their antique pen would have express’d
Even such a beauty as you master now.
So all their praises are but prophecies
Of this our time, all you prefiguring;
And, for they look’d but with divining eyes,
They had not skill enough your worth to sing:
For we, which now behold these present days,
Have eyes to wonder, but lack tongues to praise.
Sonnet 106 line-by-line explanation
When in the chronicle of wasted time
I see descriptions of the fairest wights,
And beauty making beautiful old rhyme
In praise of ladies dead and lovely knights,
Explanation
“When in the chronicle of wasted time”:
The “chronicle” refers to historical records or writings.
“Wasted time” suggests the passage of time and the accumulation of past events.
The poet reflects on these records, which document the past.
“I see descriptions of the fairest wights”:
“Fairest wights” refers to the most beautiful people.
The poet encounters descriptions of their beauty in old writings.
“And beauty making beautiful old rhyme”:
“Beauty” is personified as if it can create beautiful poetry.
The old rhymes (poems) praise the beauty of ladies and knights who are now deceased.
“In praise of ladies dead and lovely knights”:
The old poems celebrate the beauty of women and knights who have passed away.
These praises were written when those individuals were alive.
Poetic devices
Alliteration:
The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words creates a musical effect. Example: “beauty making beautiful old rhyme”: The repetition of the ‘b’ sound emphasizes the beauty being described.
Imagery:
The lines evoke vivid mental images.
“Chronicle of wasted time” conjures the idea of historical records.
“Descriptions of the fairest wights” paints a picture of beautiful people.
Personification:
“Beauty making beautiful old rhyme” personifies beauty as if it can create poetry.
Beauty is given agency, suggesting it actively shapes old rhymes.
Metaphor:
“chronicle of wasted time”: This phrase suggests that the past is like a book of records (“chronicle”) that has lost its significance over time (“wasted time”). It conveys the idea that history, although filled with beauty, is something that has passed and is now “wasted.”
Enjambment:
The lines flow seamlessly into each other without punctuation.
This creates a sense of continuity and fluidity.
Irony:
The irony lies in praising the beauty of the present while acknowledging the inadequacy of past descriptions.
The old praises become “prophecies” that foretell the beauty of the current moment.
Then, in the blazon of sweet beauty’s best,
Of hand, of foot, of lip, of eye, of brow,
I see their antique pen would have express’d
Even such a beauty as you master now.
Explanation
“Then, in the blazon of sweet beauty’s best”:
The term “blazon” refers to a detailed description or depiction.
The poet imagines that if those ancient writers had described the pinnacle of beauty, they would have used their pens to create an elaborate blazon.
“Of hand, of foot, of lip, of eye, of brow”:
The poet lists various features associated with beauty: hands, feet, lips, eyes, and brows.
These features are often praised in poetry and art.
“I see their antique pen would have express’d”:
The “antique pen” refers to the pens of those ancient writers.
The poet envisions that their pens would have expressed the beauty of the present moment.
“Even such a beauty as you master now”:
The poet addresses the person before them, emphasizing that their beauty surpasses anything described by those ancient writers.
The present beauty is so remarkable that even the eloquence of the past would fall short.
Poetic Device
Alliteration:
The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words creates a musical effect. Example: “blazon of sweet beauty’s best” (repetition of the “b” sound).
Imagery:
The lines evoke vivid mental images.
“Blazon” refers to a detailed description or depiction, emphasizing the visual aspect.
The list of body parts (“hand, foot, lip, eye, brow”) conjures specific images associated with beauty.
Metaphor:
“antique pen”: The “antique pen” metaphorically represents the poets of the past. It suggests that these poets used their writing instruments to capture the beauty of their time.
Enjambment:
The lines flow seamlessly into each other without punctuation.
This creates a sense of continuity and fluidity, mirroring the theme of time passing.
So all their praises are but prophecies
Of this our time, all you prefiguring;
And, for they look’d but with divining eyes,
They had not skill enough your worth to sing:
Explanation
“So all their praises are but prophecies”:
The poet suggests that the praises given by ancient writers were like predictions or prophecies.
These praises anticipated the beauty that would emerge in the future—the beauty of the present moment.
“Of this our time, all you prefiguring”:
The present beauty is a prefiguration—an early indication—of what was to come.
The poet addresses the person before them, emphasizing that their beauty embodies the best of the current era.
“And, for they look’d but with divining eyes”:
The ancient writers looked at beauty with a sense of foresight or divination.
Their vision went beyond the surface, seeing the potential and significance.
“They had not skill enough your worth to sing”:
Despite their insight, those writers lacked the skill to fully express the worth of the present beauty.
The person before the poet is so remarkable that their true value cannot be adequately captured in words.
Poetic Device
Metaphor:
“praises are but prophecies”: Here, the “praises” of past poets are metaphorically described as “prophecies,” suggesting that their admiration for beauty foresaw the remarkable beauty of the present time.
Personification:
“They looked but with divining eyes” personifies the ancient writers.
Their vision is portrayed as having mystical insight or foresight (“divining eyes”).
Enjambment:
The lines flow seamlessly into each other without punctuation.
This creates a sense of continuity and urgency, emphasizing the poet’s message.
For we, which now behold these present days,
Have eyes to wonder, but lack tongues to praise.
Explanation
“For we, which now behold these present days”:
The poet refers to the people living in the present.
“Behold” means to observe or witness.
“Have eyes to wonder, but lack tongues to praise”:
The people of the present have the ability to marvel at what they see (“eyes to wonder”).
However, their words fall short in expressing full praise or admiration (“lack tongues to praise”).
The poet acknowledges the limitations of language in capturing the beauty and significance of the current moment.
Poetic Device
Metaphor:
“eyes to wonder” and “tongues to praise”: Shakespeare uses “eyes” and “tongues” metaphorically. “Eyes” represent the ability to see and appreciate beauty, while “tongues” symbolize the ability to verbalize or praise that beauty. The metaphor suggests a disconnect between perception and expression.
Antithesis:
The contrast between “eyes to wonder” and “lack tongues to praise” creates an antithesis.
While people can marvel at what they see, their ability to express admiration falls short.
Irony:
The irony lies in the fact that although the present generation can perceive and appreciate beauty, they are still unable to adequately praise it. This reflects the ongoing struggle of capturing the full essence of beauty in words.
Sonnet 106 Summary
Sonnet 106 was first published in Thomas Thorpe’s 1609 quarto edition of Shakespeare’s sonnets. In Sonnet 106, Shakespeare begins by reflecting on historical records where past writers described the most beautiful people of their time. These records, referred to as the “chronicle of wasted time,” contain detailed descriptions of the “fairest wights,” or the most beautiful individuals. The speaker notes that these descriptions are preserved in poetry, praising ladies and knights who have since passed away.
The speaker observes that the ancient poets often detailed the finest features of beauty, listing hands, feet, lips, eyes, and brows as examples. He believes that these poets were attempting to capture a beauty that is now perfectly embodied by the person he addresses in the sonnet. In this way, the speaker suggests that the praises of beauty from the past were actually prophecies, foreseeing the beauty of the present day and specifically prefiguring the beauty of the addressee.
The speaker acknowledges that while the ancient poets had a prophetic vision, they lacked the full ability to adequately express the worth of the present beauty. They looked with “divining eyes,” but their skills were insufficient to capture the complete essence of the beauty they foresaw.
Concluding the sonnet, the speaker remarks that even in the present day, people can admire such beauty but are still unable to find the right words to praise it sufficiently. This highlights a recurring theme in the sonnet: the timeless and transcendent nature of true beauty, and the perpetual struggle of poets to encapsulate it in words.
Sonnet 106 Key Points
Author
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) is an iconic English playwright, poet, and actor. His works have left an indelible mark on literature, and his sonnets are celebrated for their depth and emotional resonance.
Form (Rhyme Scheme)
Sonnet Form: The poem follows the structure of a Shakespearean sonnet, which consists of 14 lines written in iambic pentameter.
Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme is ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This pattern includes three quatrains followed by a concluding couplet.
Speaker
The speaker is the lyrical voice within the poem. In Sonnet 106, the speaker directly addresses an unknown young man.
Setting
Temporal Setting: The poem is set in the present day relative to Shakespeare’s time, reflecting on historical and contemporary views of beauty.
Contextual Setting: The poem contrasts past poetic descriptions of beauty with the beauty of the present, implying a timeless context where beauty is continuously admired.
Theme
Fleeting Beauty: The central theme revolves around the transient nature of beauty.
Comparing Past and Present: The poem contrasts descriptions of beauty from historical records with the beauty of the present moment.
Plot
Historical Reflections: The speaker reflects on how past poets described beauty and how their praises can be seen as prophecies of the beauty in the present.
Admiration and Limitations: The poem progresses to discuss how, despite the ability to admire the present beauty, there is a lack of words to adequately praise it.
Tone
Reflective: The tone is contemplative as the speaker reflects on the nature of beauty and the limitations of poetic expression.
Awe and Admiration: There is a sense of awe and admiration for the beauty being described, combined with a recognition of the inadequacy of language to fully capture it.
Style
Iambic Pentameter: The poem adheres to the rhythmic pattern of five iambs (pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables) per line.
Elevated Language: Shakespeare employs rich, poetic language to convey the theme and emotions.
Message
Sonnet 106 celebrates the inadequacy of past descriptions of beauty compared to the present reality. The beauty of the young man surpasses anything foreseen by ancient writers, emphasizing the limitations of language in capturing worth.
William Shakespeare
1. Early Life:
Birth: Born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
Parents: Son of John Shakespeare, a glove-maker and alderman, and Mary Arden, a local heiress.
Education: Likely attended the King’s New School in Stratford, receiving a classical education in Latin, grammar, and literature.
2. Family:
Marriage: Married Anne Hathaway in 1582, who was eight years his senior.
Children: Had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet died at the age of 11.
3. Early Career:
The “Lost Years”: Limited records exist of Shakespeare’s life between 1585 and 1592, often referred to as the “lost years.”
London: By 1592, he was established in London as an actor and playwright, gaining recognition for his work.
4. Theatrical Career:
Acting Companies: Associated with several acting companies, most notably the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which later became the King’s Men.
The Globe Theatre: Co-owner of the Globe Theatre, which opened in 1599 and became the primary venue for his plays.
Blackfriars Theatre: Also associated with the indoor Blackfriars Theatre, which the King’s Men acquired in 1608.
5. Literary Works:
Plays: Wrote approximately 39 plays across various genres, including tragedies (e.g., “Hamlet,” “Othello,” “King Lear,” “Macbeth”), comedies (e.g., “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Twelfth Night”), and histories (e.g., “Henry IV,” “Richard III”).
Poetry: Authored 154 sonnets and several narrative poems, including “Venus and Adonis” and “The Rape of Lucrece.”
6. Writing Style:
Collaborations: Likely collaborated with other playwrights, especially later in his career, contributing to plays such as “The Two Noble Kinsmen” and “Pericles, Prince of Tyre.”
Language: Renowned for his innovative use of the English language, including inventive vocabulary and expressions.
Verse: Mastered the use of blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter), enhancing the natural flow and emotional depth of his dialogue.
Themes: Explored universal themes such as love, power, jealousy, betrayal, and the human condition, making his works timeless and relevant.
7. Later Life and Death:
Retirement: Returned to Stratford-upon-Avon around 1613, where he lived a relatively quiet life.
Death: Died on April 23, 1616, and was buried in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford.
8. Legacy:
National Poet: Shakespeare is often called England’s national poet.
The Bard of Avon: His birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, is often referred to as “the Bard of Avon”.
Language and Literature: His impact on the English language and world literature is immeasurable.
Continued Study: His works continue to be studied, reinterpreted, and performed globally.
9. Commemorations:
Folger Shakespeare Library: Home to the largest collection of Shakespearean materials and dedicated to preserving his works.
Stratford-upon-Avon: The town celebrates his legacy with landmarks such as Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
10. Controversies and Theories:
Authorship Debate: Some scholars and enthusiasts debate whether Shakespeare wrote all the works attributed to him, suggesting other authors like Christopher Marlowe, Francis Bacon, or Edward de Vere as possible candidates.
Lost Plays: Several plays attributed to Shakespeare are considered lost, such as “Love’s Labour’s Won” and “Cardenio.”
Word Meaning
| Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| Chronicle | A detailed and factual account of events over time; a historical record. | ऐतिहासिक रिकॉर्ड या घटनाओं का विस्तृत विवरण। |
| Fairest wights | The most beautiful or admirable people; “wights” is an old term for beings or individuals. | सबसे सुंदर या प्रशंसा योग्य लोग; “wights” पुराना शब्द है जो प्राणियों या व्यक्तियों के लिए प्रयोग होता है। |
| Knights | Noble warriors of the medieval period, often associated with chivalry and honor. | मध्यकालीन योद्धा, जो अक्सर शौर्य और सम्मान के साथ जुड़े होते हैं। |
| Blazon | A detailed description or depiction of heraldic symbols; in poetry, it refers to the vivid description of beauty. | वंशावली के प्रतीकों का विस्तृत वर्णन; कविता में, यह सुंदरता के जीवंत वर्णन को संदर्भित करता है। |
| Prophecies | Predictions or foretellings about the future, often made by a seer or prophet. | भविष्य के बारे में भविष्यवाणियाँ या पूर्वानुमान, अक्सर किसी भविष्यवक्ता द्वारा। |
| Prefiguring | Indicating or suggesting something that will happen in the future; forecasting. | भविष्य में होने वाली किसी चीज का संकेत देना या पूर्वानुमान लगाना। |
| Behold | To see or observe something, often with attention or admiration. | देखना या अवलोकन करना, अक्सर ध्यानपूर्वक या प्रशंसा के साथ। |
Very Short Answer Questions
Q: Who is the author of Sonnet 106?
A: William Shakespeare.
Q: What is the primary theme of Sonnet 106?
A: The fleeting nature of beauty..
Q: What does “chronicle of wasted time” refer to?
A: Historical records or past writings.
Q: Who are the “fairest wights” mentioned in the sonnet?
A: The most beautiful people from the past.
Q: What does “blazon” mean in the context of the poem?
A: A detailed description of beauty.
Q: Which poetic form does Sonnet 106 follow?
A: Shakespearean sonnet.
Q: What is the rhyme scheme of Sonnet 106?
A: ABABCDCDEFEFGG.
Q: How do the past poets view the present beauty, according to the speaker?
A: As a prophecy.
Q: What does the phrase “divining eyes” imply about past poets?
A: They had a prophetic vision.
Q: What does the speaker say the past poets lacked?
A: The skill to fully capture the present beauty’s worth.
Q: How does the speaker describe the present generation’s ability to praise beauty?
A: They have eyes to wonder but lack tongues to praise.
Q: Which parts of the body are listed in the blazon?
A: Hand, foot, lip, eye, and brow.
Q: What literary device is “chronicle of wasted time”?
A: Metaphor.
Q: What does “antique pen” symbolize?
A: Past poets or their writing tools.
Q: What is the tone of Sonnet 106?
A: Reflective and admiring.
Q: Who is being addressed in the poem?
A: A person of great beauty, possibly the Fair Youth.
Q: What does the couplet at the end of the sonnet emphasize?
A: The difficulty of expressing beauty in words.
Q: How does Shakespeare view the poets’ praises of the past?
A: As inadequate but prophetic.
Q: What is the main challenge highlighted in the poem?
A: The struggle to fully articulate the worth of beauty.
Short Answer Questions
Q: How does Shakespeare describe the historical records in Sonnet 106?
A: Shakespeare refers to historical records as the “chronicle of wasted time.” He suggests that past poets captured the beauty of the fairest people in their writings, but these descriptions were merely a prelude to the beauty of the present time.
Q: What does Shakespeare mean by “beauty making beautiful old rhyme”?
A: Shakespeare is noting that the beauty of past people inspired poets to create beautiful poetry. These old rhymes or poems are considered beautiful because they were crafted to praise the beauty of ladies and knights of the past.
Q: Explain the use of the word “blazon” in the sonnet.
A: “Blazon” refers to a detailed description of a person’s physical features, often used in poetry to catalog beauty. In Sonnet 106, Shakespeare uses “blazon” to describe how past poets detailed the beauty of hands, feet, lips, eyes, and brows, which parallels the beauty seen in the present.
Q: How does Shakespeare use the concept of prophecy in Sonnet 106?
A: Shakespeare suggests that the praises of beauty by past poets were prophetic. These poets, with their “divining eyes,” could foresee the extraordinary beauty of the person he is addressing, but their descriptions fell short of capturing its full essence.
Q: What does Shakespeare mean by “divining eyes”?
A: “Divining eyes” refers to the visionary and almost prophetic nature of past poets. They looked at beauty with a kind of foresight, attempting to capture and predict the enduring nature of beauty that Shakespeare sees in the present.
Q: Why does Shakespeare claim that past poets “had not skill enough your worth to sing”?
A: Shakespeare believes that past poets lacked the complete skill to capture the true worth of the beauty he observes in the present. Despite their best efforts and eloquence, their praises were inadequate compared to the actual beauty they tried to describe.
Q: How does the speaker view the relationship between past and present beauty?
A: The speaker views past beauty as a precursor or prophecy of present beauty. He acknowledges the past poets’ efforts to praise beauty, but emphasizes that the beauty he sees now surpasses their descriptions, bridging past admiration with present realization.
Q: What is the significance of the concluding couplet in Sonnet 106?
A: The couplet emphasizes the contemporary generation’s ability to admire beauty but their struggle to adequately express it in words. This underscores the central theme of the poem: the limitations of language in capturing the full essence of profound beauty.
Q: Discuss the tone of Sonnet 106 and how it contributes to its meaning.
A: The tone of Sonnet 106 is reflective and admiring. Shakespeare contemplates the efforts of past poets and recognizes the enduring nature of beauty. This tone supports the poem’s message that true beauty transcends time and remains difficult to fully express through language.
Q: How does Shakespeare’s use of imagery enhance the poem’s theme?
A: Shakespeare’s vivid imagery, such as “hand, of foot, of lip, of eye, of brow,” creates a detailed picture of beauty. This imagery supports the theme of timeless beauty by showing how specific physical attributes have been admired across generations, yet remain challenging to fully capture in poetry.
Essay Type Questions
Write the critical appreciation of the Sonnet 106.
Introduction:
William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 106 is part of his famed collection of 154 sonnets, which delve into themes of beauty, time, love, and mortality. Written in the early 17th century, this sonnet reflects on the continuity and transcendence of beauty. By examining historical records and poetic descriptions of beauty, Shakespeare contemplates the enduring nature of physical and ideal beauty, suggesting that past praises were mere prefigurations of the beauty he witnesses in the present.
Central Idea:
The central idea of Sonnet 106 revolves around the notion that past poets, through their descriptions of beauty, unknowingly foretold the unmatched beauty of the speaker’s contemporary. Shakespeare asserts that historical depictions of beauty, in essence, served as prophecies for the present beauty. Despite the past poets’ efforts, their descriptions fall short of capturing the true essence and magnificence of the beauty that the speaker now beholds.
Structure & Rhyme Scheme:
Sonnet 106 follows the traditional structure of a Shakespearean sonnet, consisting of 14 lines written in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABABCDCDEFEFGG, featuring three quatrains and a concluding rhymed couplet. This structure allows for a progressive development of thought, leading to a resolution in the final two lines. The consistent meter and rhyme scheme contribute to the poem’s musical quality and formal elegance, enhancing its reflective and admiring tone.
Theme:
Fleeting Beauty:
The sonnet explores the transient nature of beauty.
The “chronicle of wasted time” suggests the impermanence of existence.
Comparing Past and Present:
The poem contrasts descriptions of beauty from historical records with the beauty of the present moment.
Ancient writers’ praises become “prophecies” foretelling the youth’s beauty.
Style:
Shakespeare’s style in Sonnet 106 is marked by its use of elevated language and classical references. The diction is formal and poetic, with words like “chronicle,” “blazon,” and “divining.” The style is reflective, with a contemplative tone that underscores the poet’s admiration and awe. Shakespeare’s mastery of iambic pentameter ensures a smooth and rhythmic flow, while his use of metaphor and imagery adds depth and richness to the poem.
Poetic Devices:
Sonnet 106 is rich in poetic devices. Metaphor is used in phrases like “chronicle of wasted time” to symbolize historical records. Alliteration appears in “beauty making beautiful old rhyme,” enhancing the musical quality. Enjambment between lines allows thoughts to flow seamlessly, while imagery vividly describes physical beauty. Personification is present in “divining eyes,” attributing prophetic vision to past poets. These devices work together to emphasize the poem’s themes and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Critical Commentary:
Critics have often highlighted the contemplative nature of Sonnet 106. Helen Vendler, in her detailed analysis of Shakespeare’s sonnets, notes the poem’s reflection on the limitations of poetic expression. Stephen Booth points out the sonnet’s self-referential nature, as Shakespeare acknowledges the insufficiency of past and present poetic efforts. Scholars appreciate the sonnet’s exploration of beauty as an eternal concept, with historical and prophetic dimensions adding layers of meaning.
Message:
The message of Sonnet 106 is that beauty is an enduring and transcendent ideal that past poets have attempted to capture, albeit imperfectly. Shakespeare suggests that true beauty is elusive and cannot be fully expressed through words, regardless of the poets’ skill. The poem also conveys a sense of humility, as the speaker acknowledges the limitations of language and the continued struggle to praise beauty adequately. Ultimately, it celebrates the timeless and universal appeal of beauty.
Conclusion:
Sonnet 106 is a profound meditation on the nature of beauty and the challenges of poetic expression. Through its elegant structure, reflective tone, and rich use of poetic devices, the sonnet explores the idea that beauty transcends time and remains a source of admiration across generations. Shakespeare’s acknowledgment of the inadequacy of language in capturing beauty adds a layer of humility and reverence to the poem. Sonnet 106 stands as a testament to Shakespeare’s mastery of the sonnet form and his deep understanding of the complexities of beauty and art.
