Sonnet 129 by William Shakespeare | The expense of spirit in a waste of shame | Sonnet 129 | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Sonnet 129
Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame
Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame
Is lust in action; and till action, lust
Is perjured, murd’rous, bloody, full of blame,
Savage, extreme, rude, cruel, not to trust,
Enjoyed no sooner but despisèd straight,
Past reason hunted; and, no sooner had
Past reason hated as a swallowed bait
On purpose laid to make the taker mad;
Mad in pursuit and in possession so,
Had, having, and in quest to have, extreme;
A bliss in proof and proved, a very woe;
Before, a joy proposed; behind, a dream.
All this the world well knows; yet none knows well
To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell.
line-by-line explanation of the poem
Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame
Is lust in action;
Explanation
This opening line sets the stage for the poem’s central theme: the destructive power of uncontrolled desire. It paints a stark picture of how lustful pursuits drain our emotional and mental energy, leaving us in a wasteland of remorse.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: Comparing lust’s consequences to a barren wasteland accentuates its devastating impact.
and till action, lust
Is perjured, murd’rous, bloody, full of blame,
Savage, extreme, rude, cruel, not to trust,
Explanation
This line clarifies that lust isn’t just a fleeting thought, but an active force that leads to negative consequences. Even the contemplation of lust, before it manifests into action, carries the potential for harm. The speaker intensifies the description of lust, using powerful adjectives like “perjured,” “murderous,” and “bloody” to emphasize its destructive nature. It suggests how unchecked desire can lead to deceit, violence, and irreparable harm.
Poetic Device
Enjambment: The sentence flows seamlessly onto the next line, highlighting the continuous nature of desire.
Alliteration: The repetition of harsh consonant sounds “b” creates a jarring effect, mirroring the unsettling nature of lust.
Hyperbole: describes lust as “murd’rous, bloody, full of blame,” which is an exaggeration used to highlight the negative consequences of lust.
Enjoyed no sooner but despisèd straight,
Explanation
It captures the fleeting nature of pleasure derived from impulsive actions, particularly those fueled by desire. The “enjoyed” suggests a moment of satisfaction, but the quick shift to “despised straight” reveals the immediate flip side – disgust and regret. This stark contrast emphasizes the fleetingness of such pleasure and the lasting impact of the negative emotions that follow.
Past reason hunted;
Explanation
The phrase “past reason hunted” paints a vivid picture of desire outpacing logic and control. It suggests a relentless pursuit, driven by something beyond rationality, like an insatiable hunger or an intoxicating obsession. This single line captures the essence of lust’s destructive power: its ability to blind us to reason and lead us down a dangerous path.
and, no sooner had
Past reason hated as a swallowed bait
On purpose laid to make the taker mad;
Explanation
This sentence paints a vivid picture of lust’s destructive nature. It highlights how desire, once indulged beyond reason, becomes like a swallowed bait, trapping the taker in a cycle of maddening obsession. The deliberate intent behind the “bait” reinforces the poem’s message of lust as a seductive but ultimately harmful force.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: Lust compared to a “swallowed bait,” emphasizing its deceptive allure and bitter aftertaste.
Mad in pursuit and in possession so,
Explanation
Lust drives you crazy, both while chasing it and even after you catch it. It’s like a maddening fever that burns you alive, no matter if you thirst for it or hold it in your grasp.
Poetic devices
Alliteration: The repetition of “p” sounds in ‘pursuit’ and ‘possession’.
Had, having, and in quest to have, extreme;
Explanation
The line paints a vivid picture of insatiable desire. It uses a powerful repetition of “have” in three stages: past, present, and future. This emphasizes the endless cycle of lust, where even after possessing the object of desire, there’s a constant and “extreme” hunger for more. Imagine a bottomless pit that can never be filled, fueled by an insatiable craving. This single line, through simple repetition and a hint of hyperbole, encapsulates the poem’s message about the destructive nature of unchecked desire.
Poetic devices
Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sound “h” in ‘had’, ‘having’ and ‘have’.
Hyperbole (exaggeration): to highlight the insatiable nature of lust and the constant craving for more.
A bliss in proof and proved, a very woe;
Explanation
This line uses paradox and contrasting imagery to expose the double-edged sword of desire. While lust initially provides a “bliss,” a fleeting and superficial joy, once experienced (“proved”), it transforms into a “very woe,” leaving profound regret and devastation in its wake.
Poetic devices
Paradox: The contrasting concepts of “bliss” and “woe” emphasize the double-edged sword of lust.
Before, a joy proposed; behind, a dream.
Explanation
The line summarizes the fleeting and deceptive nature of lust. Imagine it like this:
Before: Lust whispers promises of intense pleasure, painting beautiful fantasies in your mind. It acts like a seductive proposal, a glimpse of “joy” you can almost touch.
Behind: Once you act on desire, the promised joy evaporates like a dream. Instead, you’re left with the harsh reality of regret and shame, a hollow feeling like waking up from an illusion.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: Comparing the promised joy to a “dream” emphasizes its intangible and unreal nature.
All this the world well knows; yet none knows well
To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell.
Explanation
The final lines pack a powerful punch, contrasting “heaven” and “hell” to portray the paradoxical nature of lust. While everyone (“all the world”) is aware of its destructive consequences (“knows”), no one truly masters the art of avoiding (“shun”) its alluring trap (“heaven”) that ultimately leads to ruin (“hell”).
Poetic devices
Antithesis: The stark contrast between “heaven” and “hell” emphasizes the double-edged sword of desire: temporary pleasure followed by lasting pain.
Juxtaposition: Placing “knows” and “none knows well” side-by-side highlights the gap between intellectual awareness and practical action. We may know something is bad, but resisting it proves challenging.
Metaphor: “Heaven” symbolizes the intoxicating promise of fulfillment, while “hell” represents the inevitable descent into shame and regret.
Summary
Sonnet 129 by William Shakespeare explores the destructive nature of lust and its consequences on the human spirit. The poem delves into the emotional and psychological toll of indulging in lustful desires.
The opening line, “Th’expense of spirit in a waste of shame,” suggests that the energy or essence of one’s spirit is squandered in the shameful act of lust. The poet describes lust in action as perjured, murderous, bloody, and full of blame, portraying it as a negative and harmful force.
The sonnet goes on to emphasize the fleeting nature of lust, describing it as something that is enjoyed briefly but immediately despised. The use of terms like “Savage, extreme, rude, cruel, not to trust” underscores the destructive qualities of lust.
The middle section of the sonnet explores the irrationality of lust, depicting it as something pursued beyond reason, hated after the fact, and likened to a bait intentionally laid out to drive the taker mad. The repetition of the word “Mad” emphasizes the frenzied and irrational nature of both pursuit and possession.
The final quatrain contrasts the transient pleasure of lust with the lasting consequences. The pursuit of lust is described as extreme, leading to both bliss and woe. The poet suggests that what was once a joyous prospect becomes a painful reality.
The concluding couplet reflects on the universal knowledge of the destructive nature of lust. Despite this awareness, people are unable or unwilling to avoid the “heaven” that ultimately leads them to a metaphorical “hell.” The poem highlights the paradoxical and self-destructive tendencies of human nature when it comes to indulging in illicit desires.
Key Points
Author: William Shakespeare is considered to be one of the most important English-language writers. His plays and poems are read all over the world.
Form: Sonnet 129 is a sonnet, a fourteen-line poem that is contained within one stanza. The form that has become synonymous with the poet’s name. The English or Shakespearean sonnet is made up of three quatrains, or sets of four lines, and one concluding couplet, or set of two rhyming lines.
Speaker: The speaker of the sonnet is not explicitly named, but it is often assumed to be a character created by Shakespeare. The speaker is expressing deep regret and shame over succumbing to lust.
Setting: The setting is not specific. It deals more with emotional landscape than a physical one.
Theme: The main theme of the sonnet is lust and its destructive potential. It explores the idea that lust is a powerful, uncontrollable force that leads to shame and regret.
Plot: The sonnet describes the cycle of lust from the initial desire, to the act, and finally to the aftermath of shame and regret. It speaks of lust as something that is intensely desired until it is acted upon, at which point it is immediately despised.
Tone: The tone of the sonnet is one of warning and regret. The speaker seems to be reflecting on personal experiences with lust, expressing regret for past actions and warning against future ones.
Style: Shakespeare’s style in this sonnet, like many of his others, is characterized by its iambic pentameter and intricate rhyme scheme. He uses strong, vivid language to convey the intensity of lust and the resulting shame.
Message: The message of the sonnet is a warning about the dangers of lust. It suggests that while lust can seem desirable in the moment, it ultimately leads to a cycle of regret and shame. Despite this, the speaker notes that this is a well-known truth that people often ignore or forget.
Structure and Rhyme Scheme
Structure
The structure of Sonnet 129 follows the typical structure of a Shakespearean sonnet. It is composed of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza). The quatrains often introduce a problem or question, while the couplet provides a resolution or answer.
Rhyme Scheme
The rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet is ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This means that the first and third lines of each quatrain rhyme with each other (A and C, D and F), as do the second and fourth lines (B and D, E and G). The final couplet (GG) also rhymes.
This structure and rhyme scheme are characteristic of Shakespeare’s sonnets and are part of what gives them their musicality and emotional impact.
Word Meaning
| Line | Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| 1 | Expense | Cost, waste | खर्च |
| 1 | Spirit | Soul, energy | आत्मा |
| 1 | Shame | Dishonor, disgrace | शर्म |
| 2 | Lust in action | Physical or sexual relation | वासना क्रिया / यौन संबंध |
| 3 | Perjured | Oath-breaking, false | झूठा |
| 3 | Murd’rous | Murderous, violent | घातक |
| 3 | Bloody | Cruel, brutal | खूनी |
| 4 | Savage | Uncivilized, brutal | जंगली |
| 4 | Extreme | Excessive, beyond reason | अतिवादी |
| 4 | Rude | Unmannerly, crude | असभ्य |
| 4 | Cruel | Unkind, heartless | क्रूर |
| 5 | Despisèd | Hated, loathed | घृणा की |
| 6 | Past reason | Beyond reason, illogical | बुद्धि से परे |
| 6 | Hunted | Pursued relentlessly | शिकार किया |
| 7 | Hated | Loathed, despised | नफरत की |
| 7 | Swallowed bait | Trapped by temptation | निगल लिया चारा |
| 8 | Laid | Set, prepared | रखा |
| 8 | Taker | One who desires or consumes | लेने वाला |
| 8 | Mad | Insane, driven to frenzy | पागल |
| 9 | Pursuit | Chasing, seeking | पीछा |
| 9 | Possession | Having control over | कब्जा |
| 10 | Had | Possessed, acquired | लिया |
| 10 | Having | Possessing | पाकर |
| 10 | Quest | Search, pursuit | तलाश |
| 11 | Bliss | Ecstasy, perfect happiness | आनंद |
| 11 | Proof | Evidence, demonstration | प्रमाण |
| 11 | Woe | Sorrow, grief | दुख |
| 12 | Proposed | Offered, suggested | प्रस्तावित |
| 12 | Dream | Fantasy, illusion | सपना |
| 14 | Shun | Avoid, stay away from | बचना |
| 14 | Heaven | Paradise, bliss | स्वर्ग |
| 14 | Hell | Underworld, suffering | नरक |
Very Short Answer Questions
What is the main theme of Sonnet 129?
The destructive nature of lust.
How does the poet describe lust in action?
Perjured, murd’rous, bloody, full of blame.
What is the consequence of enjoying lust according to the poem?
It is despised immediately.
What does the poet suggest about the pursuit of lust beyond reason?
It leads to madness.
How is reason personified in the poem?
As something hunted past its limits.
What is the simile used to describe the hatred of lust beyond reason?
Like a swallowed bait.
What is the intention behind laying the bait, according to the poem?
To make the taker mad.
In what state is the person both in pursuit and in possession of lust?
Mad.
How does the poet describe the intensity of lust in different situations?
Extreme in having, possessing, and desiring.
What is the experience of lust described as in the poem?
A bliss in proof and proved, a very woe.
What is the contrast between the joy and the dream in the poem?
The joy is proposed, but the dream is behind.
How does the poet describe the world’s awareness of the destructive nature of lust?
The world knows it well, yet none knows it well.
What is the advice given in the concluding couplet?
To avoid the heaven that leads to this hell.
What does the word “perjured” mean in the context of the poem?
False or deceitful.
Which poetic device is used in the line “Mad in pursuit and in possession so”?
Alliteration.
What is the primary emotion associated with the pursuit of lust in the poem?
Madness.
What does the poet say about lust being enjoyed and despised?
Enjoyed no sooner but despisèd straight.
How is reason treated in relation to lust in the poem?
It is hunted past its limits.
What is the metaphor used to describe the consequences of lust?
The heaven that leads men to this hell.
What is the paradox presented in the poem?
Despite the world’s awareness, none knows well to shun the destructive path of lust.
Short Answer Questions
What is the central metaphor used in the poem to describe lust?
Lust is compared to a trap or bait, luring individuals into a cycle of desire and ultimately leading to self-destruction.
How does the poem depict the relationship between pleasure and pain in relation to lust?
The poem portrays pleasure derived from lust as fleeting and followed by lasting regret and shame. It emphasizes the paradoxical nature of desire, where temporary satisfaction leads to long-term suffering.
What literary devices are used in the line “Had, having, and in quest to have, extreme”?
The line employs parallelism (repetition of sentence structure) and hyperbole (exaggeration) to highlight the insatiable nature of lust and the constant craving for more.
How does the speaker use language to convey the urgency and irrationality of desire?
The use of enjambment (run-on lines) creates a sense of rush and immediacy, reflecting the impulsive nature of lust. Additionally, strong adjectives like “savage” and “extreme” emphasize the lack of control and rationality associated with desire.
What is the significance of the contrast between “heaven” and “hell” in the final lines?
This contrast highlights the seductive and deceptive nature of lust. The “heaven” it promises is ultimately an illusion, leading only to the “hell” of shame and regret.
What is the poem’s overall message about human nature and the power of desire?
The poem serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the pitfalls of uncontrolled desire. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-control in navigating the complex emotions and urges of human nature.
Compare and contrast the portrayal of lust in Sonnet 129 with another poem or literary work you’ve encountered.
This question invites you to analyze the poem within a wider literary context, drawing comparisons and highlighting different perspectives on the theme of desire.
How does the poem’s structure, with its division into three quatrains and a final couplet, contribute to its meaning?
The sonnet form provides a structured framework for exploring the different aspects of the central theme. The quatrains build tension and complexity, while the final couplet delivers a powerful concluding statement.
Do you think the poem’s message remains relevant in the modern world? Why or why not?
This question encourages critical thinking about the poem’s enduring relevance. Consider the cultural context of Shakespeare’s time and compare it to modern concepts of desire and relationships.
Essay Type Questions
1. Write the critical appreciation of the poem.
Introduction:
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 129, a sonnet of stark beauty and unflinching honesty, delves into the perilous depths of human desire, particularly lust. Through powerful imagery and masterful manipulation of form, the poem paints a vivid portrait of the destructive nature of uncontrolled passion, leaving the reader with a haunting reflection on the fragility of human nature.
Structure and Form:
Sonnet 129 adheres to the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, consisting of three quatrains and a concluding couplet. This structure provides a natural progression for the speaker’s exploration of lust, from its initial allure to its inevitable descent into shame and regret. Each quatrain builds upon the previous, employing a consistent ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme. This tight weave of sound reinforces the poem’s thematic unity, creating a sense of entrapment within the cycle of desire.
Theme:
At the poem’s core lies a stark warning about the destructive power of unchecked desire. Shakespeare portrays lust not as a romantic ideal but as a consuming force that leads to emotional and spiritual depletion. The speaker emphasizes the fleeting nature of pleasure derived from lust, followed by a deep and lasting remorse that far outweighs any initial satisfaction. This central theme is woven throughout the poem, evident in imagery, language choices, and poetic devices.
Imagery:
The poem’s imagery is both visceral and unsettling, reflecting the speaker’s intense emotional turmoil. Lust is compared to a “waste of shame” and a “swallowed bait,” highlighting its detrimental consequences and its deceptive allure. Words like “bloody,” “cruel,” and “murderous” paint a picture of lust as a savage force, capable of inflicting immense pain on both the self and others. The contrast between the “bliss in proof” and the “very woe” further emphasizes the paradoxical nature of desire, where temporary joy leads to lasting suffering.
Poetic Devices:
Shakespeare masterfully employs a range of poetic devices to amplify the poem’s emotional impact and thematic resonance. Enjambment, the running-on of lines, creates a sense of urgency and breathlessness, mirroring the speaker’s impulsive pursuit of desire. Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, adds a harshness to the language, reflecting the brutality of the emotions at play. Metaphors like the “swallowed bait” and the “heaven that leads men to this hell” offer powerful commentary on the deceptive nature of desire and its ultimate descent into self-destruction.
Conclusion:
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 129 is more than just a cautionary tale; it is a profound exploration of the human condition. Through its masterful use of form, imagery, and language, the poem lays bare the dark side of desire, exposing its power to consume and destroy. However, the poem does not offer a definitive solution or moral judgment. Instead, it leaves the reader with a haunting question: are we truly aware of the “hell” that lies hidden within the alluring “heaven” of desire?
2. Write long note on Poetic devices used in Poem.
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 129 is more than just a collection of lines; it’s a tapestry woven with intricate and impactful poetic devices. Each word, meticulously chosen, and each stylistic nuance contribute to the poem’s visceral exploration of lust’s destructive power. Let’s embark on a journey through this sonnet, deciphering how these devices breathe life into its themes and emotions.
Metaphors:
Lust as a Wasteland: Right in the opening line, “Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame,” lust is compared to a barren wasteland, signifying its futility and emotional devastation. This powerful metaphor sets the stage for the poem’s bleak tone.
Lust as a Trap: Later, lust is likened to a “swallowed bait,” a trap laid to entrap the unsuspecting and lead them to self-destruction. This metaphor highlights the deceptive nature of desire, luring with fleeting pleasure while masking its inherent danger.
Heaven and Hell: In the final lines, the stark contrast between “heaven” and “hell” encapsulates the poem’s message. Lust promises a paradise of fulfillment, but ultimately delivers the inferno of shame and regret. This metaphor leaves a lasting impression of the potential dangers lurking beneath desire’s surface.
Personification:
Lust as a Predator: Attributing adjectives like “savage,” “bloody,” and “cruel” to lust personifies it as a monstrous entity capable of inflicting pain and destruction. This vivid imagery emphasizes the raw and dangerous nature of uncontrolled desire.
Imagery:
Harsh and Visceral: Words like “murderous,” “despised,” and “hated” paint a grim picture of the emotional fallout of lust. This visceral imagery evokes feelings of disgust and regret, amplifying the poem’s cautionary message.
Fleeting Bliss: Phrases like “a bliss in proof” and “before, a joy proposed” momentarily hint at the seductive allure of desire. However, their placement amidst a bleak landscape underscores the fleeting and deceptive nature of this pleasure.
Enjambment:
The continual run-on of lines throughout the poem mimics the relentless nature of desire. The reader is swept along in the speaker’s emotional torrent, unable to pause or escape the whirlwind of lust’s consequences.
Parallelism:
The repetitive sentence structures, especially in lines 5-6 and 9-12, create a sense of rhythm and urgency. This repetition reinforces the cyclical nature of desire, where fleeting pleasure is inevitably followed by devastating remorse.
Hyperbole:
Exaggerations like “extreme,” “mad,” and “all this the world well knows” amplify the poem’s message. These hyperboles emphasize the universality and overwhelming nature of lust’s destructive potential.
Alliteration:
The intentional repetition of certain consonant sounds, particularly harsh ones like “p” and “b,” adds a jarring effect to the poem. This sonic quality mirrors the turbulence and dissonance within the speaker’s soul, further highlighting the poem’s emotional core.
Antithesis:
The jarring contrast between “heaven” and “hell” in the final lines serves as a powerful antithesis. This stark opposition encapsulates the poem’s central message: the seductive potential of desire ultimately leads to self-destruction.
Paradox:
A paradox is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth. In “Sonnet 129,” the paradox lies in the speaker’s description of lust as both desirable and despised, as in the lines “Enjoyed no sooner but despisèd straight,” and “A bliss in proof and proved, a very woe.”
Juxtaposition: Juxtaposition is a poetic device wherein the author places a person, concept, place, idea, or theme parallel to another. The purpose of juxtaposing two directly or indirectly related entities close together in literature is to highlight the contrast between the two and compare them. In sonnet 29, Placing “knows” and “none knows well” side-by-side highlights the gap between intellectual awareness and practical action. We may know something is bad, but resisting it proves challenging.
