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.
