Sonnet 146 by William Shakespeare | Soul and Body | Poor soul, the centre of my sinful earth | Sonnet 146 | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Sonnet 146
Poor soul, the centre of my sinful earth
[Soul and Body]
Poor soul, the centre of my sinful earth,
[……] these rebel powers that thee array,
Why dost thou pine within and suffer dearth,
Painting thy outward walls so costly gay?
Why so large cost, having so short a lease,
Dost thou upon thy fading mansion spend?
Shall worms, inheritors of this excess,
Eat up thy charge? Is this thy body’s end?
Then soul, live thou upon thy servant’s loss
And let that pine to aggravate thy store;
Buy terms divine in selling hours of dross;
Within be fed, without be rich no more.
So shalt thou feed on Death, that feeds on men,
And, Death once dead, there’s no more dying then.
line-by-line explanation of the poem
Line 1: Poor soul, the centre of my sinful earth,
Explanation
This line introduces the poem’s central theme: the conflict between the soul’s spiritual aspirations and the body’s base desires. The soul is described as the “centre” of the “sinful earth,” highlighting its imprisonment within the body.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “Sinful earth” is a metaphor for the body, emphasizing its connection to sin and mortality.
Personification: The soul is personified as a being trapped within the body.
Line 2: [….. ] these rebel powers that thee array,
Explanation
This line continues the metaphor of the body as “sinful earth” and introduces the concept of “rebel powers” that “array” the soul. These powers can be interpreted as the body’s senses, desires, and passions, which often lead people astray from spiritual pursuits.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “Rebel powers” is a metaphor for the body’s senses, desires, and passions.
Personification: The soul is again personified as being acted upon by the “rebel powers.”
Line 3: Why dost thou pine within and suffer dearth,
Explanation
This line asks the soul why it suffers “dearth” despite being the “centre” of the body. This suggests that the soul yearns for something beyond the material world, something that the body cannot provide.
Poetic devices
Personification: The soul is personified as being able to feel “pine” and “dearth.” Metaphor: “Suffer dearth” is a metaphor for the soul’s lack of spiritual nourishment.
Line 4: Painting thy outward walls so costly gay?
Explanation
This line contrasts the soul’s inner suffering with the body’s outward appearance. The body is described as being “costly gay,” suggesting that it is adorned with wealth and beauty. This creates a sense of irony, as the soul suffers while the body is pampered.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “Outward walls” is a metaphor for the body.
Hyperbole: “Costly gay” is an exaggeration of the body’s outward appearance. Irony: There is irony in the contrast between the soul’s suffering and the body’s beauty.
Line 5: Why so large cost, having so short a lease,
Explanation
This line questions the point of spending so much on the body, which is ultimately temporary. The “short lease” refers to the brevity of human life, reminding us that our time on earth is limited.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “Short lease” is a metaphor for the brevity of human life.
Rhetorical question: The line is a rhetorical question that doesn’t require an answer, but rather serves to make the speaker’s point about the futility of focusing on the material world.
Line 6: Dost thou upon thy fading mansion spend?
Explanation
This line continues the metaphor of the body as a “fading mansion,” emphasizing its impermanence. The speaker asks the soul why it would waste resources on something that will eventually decay.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: ” fading mansion” is a metaphor for the human body.
Line 7: Shall worms, inheritors of this excess,
Explanation
This line introduces the unpleasant reality of death. The speaker asks the soul if it wants “worms” to inherit the “excess” spent on the body. This serves as a stark reminder of the futility of materialism and the importance of focusing on the soul’s well-being.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “Worms” is a metaphor for death and decay.
Rhetorical question: The line is a rhetorical question used to emphasize the speaker’s point.
Line 8: Eat up thy charge? Is this thy body’s end?
Explanation
This line continues the focus on death and asks the soul if it is content with its body’s eventual decay. The speaker challenges the soul to consider whether this is the true purpose of its existence.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “Charge” is a metaphor for the soul’s responsibility for its own well- being.
Rhetorical question: The line is a rhetorical question used to further emphasize the speaker’s point.
Line 9: Then soul, live thou upon thy servant’s loss
Explanation
This line marks a shift in tone as the speaker offers a solution to the dilemma. The speaker encourages the soul to “live” by accepting the body’s decline, and even by using it to its advantage.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “Servant” is a metaphor for the body.
Personification: The soul is personified as being able to “live” and “lose.”
Line 10: And let that pine to aggravate thy store;
Explanation
This line continues the idea of the soul benefiting from the body’s decline. The speaker encourages the soul to allow the body’s suffering to “aggravate its store,” meaning to increase its spiritual wealth.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “Store” is a metaphor for the soul’s spiritual wealth.
Personification: The soul is again personified, this time as being able to “pine” and “store.”
Line 11: Buy terms divine in selling hours of dross;
Explanation
This line offers a metaphorical exchange: the soul can purchase “terms divine,” meaning spiritual rewards, by “selling hours of dross,” meaning worldly pursuits. This emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual matters over material ones.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “Terms divine” is a metaphor for spiritual rewards, and “hours of dross” is a metaphor for worldly pursuits.
Antithesis: The contrasting terms “divine” and “dross” emphasize the speaker’s message.
Line 12: Within be fed, without be rich no more.
Explanation
This line summarizes the speaker’s advice. The soul should seek nourishment from within, through spiritual pursuits, and no longer seek wealth or satisfaction from the outside world.
Poetic devices
Parallelism: The repetition of the phrase “be” creates a sense of balance and reinforces the speaker’s message.
Antithesis: The contrasting terms “within” and “without” highlight the importance of focusing on the inner world.
Line 13: So shalt thou feed on Death, that feeds on men,
Explanation
This line builds on the previous line’s emphasis on seeking inner nourishment. Here, the speaker suggests that the soul can “feed on Death” itself, meaning it can use the inevitability of death as a motivator to pursue spiritual growth. This challenges the traditional fear of death and presents it as an opportunity for the soul to achieve its true potential.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “Feed on Death” is a metaphor for using the inevitability of death as a motivator for spiritual growth.
Personification: Both Death and the soul are personified as beings that can “feed” on each other.
Line 14: And, Death once dead, there’s no more dying then.
Explanation
This final line concludes the poem with a powerful message of hope and redemption. By “feeding on Death,” the soul can transcend the cycle of death and rebirth, achieving a state of eternal life. This provides a sense of comfort and reassurance in the face of mortality.
Poetic devices
Paradox: The statement “Death once dead” is a paradox, as death is usually seen as an end. However, in the context of the poem, it suggests the possibility of overcoming death through spiritual growth.
Metaphor: “Death once dead” can be interpreted as a metaphor for the soul’s liberation from the fear of death.
Repetition: The repetition of the word “death” emphasizes its importance in the poem’s message.
Summary
Sonnet 146 by William Shakespeare reflects on the internal and external struggles of the human soul. The speaker addresses the soul as the “centre of my sinful earth,” suggesting a profound connection between the soul and the speaker’s earthly, sinful existence. The sonnet explores the theme of inner conflict, questioning why the soul suffers and pines within while adorning its outward appearance with costly embellishments.
The speaker challenges the soul’s choices, criticizing the investment in outward appearances with the use of the phrase “Painting thy outward walls so costly gay?” The mention of a “fading mansion” and a “short lease” implies the transient nature of physical life and the brevity of human existence.
The poet introduces a vivid metaphor, describing worms as “inheritors of this excess,” symbolizing the inevitable decay of the body after death. The speaker questions the wisdom of expending so much effort and resources on the physical body, which will eventually succumb to the ravages of time and decay.
In the second quatrain, the speaker advises the soul to live off the losses suffered by the body, allowing the physical self to deteriorate while preserving the soul’s well-being. The suggestion is to focus on spiritual wealth rather than material wealth, urging the soul to invest in “terms divine” instead of spending time on fleeting and insignificant pursuits.
The concluding couplet emphasizes the idea that by embracing spiritual nourishment, the soul can transcend death. The speaker suggests that by feeding on “Death, that feeds on men,” the soul can achieve a form of immortality. The final line, “And, Death once dead, there’s no more dying then,” implies that by conquering the fear of death and transcending worldly concerns, the soul can achieve a state beyond mortality.
In Sonnet 146, Shakespeare delves into existential and metaphysical themes, using rich imagery and metaphor to explore the tension between the physical and spiritual aspects of human existence.
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 146 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 poem is an individual who is reflecting on the relationship between his soul and body. This character could be a representation of Shakespeare himself, or a fictional persona.
Setting: The setting of the poem is not specific to a physical location. It’s more of an introspective exploration of the speaker’s inner self.
Theme: The main themes of the poem are immortality and sin. The speaker is aware that his focus on the physical world has led him away from spiritual health.
Plot: The speaker begins by addressing his soul, questioning why it allows him to be so concerned with earthly pleasures and external appearances. He then urges his soul to focus on spiritual health, suggesting that by doing so, it can conquer death and achieve immortality.
Tone: The tone of the poem is introspective and admonishing. The speaker is self- critical, expressing regret for his preoccupation with the physical world and urging his soul to focus on spiritual matters.
Style: Shakespeare’s style in this sonnet is characterized by his use of metaphor and personification. He refers to the body as a “fading mansion” and speaks to his soul as if it were a separate entity.
Message: The message of the poem is a moral one: the speaker suggests that focusing on the physical world and earthly pleasures can lead one away from spiritual health. He proposes that by focusing on the soul and spiritual matters, one can conquer death and achieve immortality.
Structure and Rhyme Scheme
Structure
The structure of Sonnet 146 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 |
| 1 | soul | spirit |
| 1 | sinful | morally wrong |
| 2 | rebel powers | forces that oppose authority |
| 2 | thee | archaic or dialect form of you |
| 2 | array | to dress or decorate |
| 3 | dost | archaic second person singular present of “do” |
| 3 | thou | archaic or dialect form of you |
| 3 | pine | to suffer intensely |
| 3 | dearth | scarcity |
| 4 | costly gay | expensive and cheerful |
| 5 | lease | temporary right to use something (Short Time) |
| 6 | thy | your |
| 6 | fading mansion | decaying house (Decaying Body) |
| 7 | inheritors | people who receive something after someone dies |
| 8 | charge | responsibility |
| 9 | servant | person who works for someone else (Human Body) |
| 10 | aggravate | Induce |
| 10 | store | a supply of something |
| 11 | terms divine | spiritual rewards |
| 11 | dross | worthless material |
| 12 | fed | nourished |
| 13 | feed | to consume |
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the author of “Sonnet 146”?
William Shakespeare.
What is the form of “Sonnet 146”?
It is a sonnet.
Who is the speaker in “Sonnet 146”?
The speaker is an individual reflecting on his soul and body.
What is the setting of “Sonnet 146”?
The setting is not specific to a physical location. It’s an introspective exploration of the speaker’s inner self.
What are the main themes of “Sonnet 146”?
The main themes are immortality and sin.
What is the plot of “Sonnet 146”?
The speaker addresses his soul, questioning its focus on earthly pleasures, and urges it to focus on spiritual health.
What is the tone of “Sonnet 146”?
The tone is introspective and admonishing.
What style is used in “Sonnet 146”?
Shakespeare uses metaphor and personification.
What is the message of “Sonnet 146”?
The message is to focus on the soul and spiritual matters to conquer death and achieve immortality.
What is the structure of “Sonnet 146”?
It is an English or Shakespearean sonnet with three quatrains followed by a final rhyming couplet.
What is the rhyme scheme of “Sonnet 146”?
The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
What meter is used in “Sonnet 146”?
The poem is composed in iambic pentameter.
What is the speaker’s relationship with the Dark Lady in “Sonnet 146”?
The speaker’s relationship with the Dark Lady has taken his focus away from his spiritual health.
What does the speaker try to convince his soul in “Sonnet 146”?
The speaker tries to convince his soul to focus on inward spirituality.
What does the speaker blame his soul for in “Sonnet 146”?
The speaker blames his soul for allowing him to get so off track.
What does the speaker suggest will happen if the soul focuses on inward health in “Sonnet 146”?
The speaker suggests that the soul will “eat Death,” and once dead, “Death” will be unable to take the speaker’s life.
What does the speaker of “Sonnet 146” consider as one of the most important things in life?
The speaker considers love as one of the most important things in life.
What does the speaker of “Sonnet 146” regret?
The speaker regrets his preoccupation with the physical world.
What does the speaker of “Sonnet 146” refer to the body as?
The speaker refers to the body as a “fading mansion”.
What does the speaker of “Sonnet 146” speak to his soul as?
The speaker speaks to his soul as if it were a separate entity.
Short Answer Questions
What is the central conflict of the poem?
The central conflict is between the soul’s desire for spiritual purity and the body’s focus on worldly pleasures and beauty.
What is the body compared to in the poem?
The body is compared to a “sinful earth,” a “fading mansion,” and a “servant” to the soul.
What does the speaker criticize about the way people spend money?
The speaker criticizes people for spending money on “costly gay” decorations and fleeting pleasures instead of focusing on spiritual matters.
What does the speaker suggest the soul do instead?
The speaker suggests that the soul should “pine to aggravate its store” and “buy terms divine in selling hours of dross.” In other words, it should focus on spiritual growth and nourishment instead of worldly pursuits.
What does the speaker mean by “feed on Death”?
By “feed on Death,” the speaker means that the soul can use the inevitability of death as a motivator to pursue spiritual growth and achieve a state of eternal life.
What is the poem’s overall message?
The poem’s overall message is that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found through spiritual growth, not through worldly possessions or pleasures. The soul must prioritize its spiritual needs and embrace the reality of death as an opportunity for transformation.
What literary devices are used in the poem?
The poem uses various literary devices, including metaphors, personification, antithesis, and paradox. These devices help to create a vivid and powerful image of the soul’s struggle and its ultimate triumph over death.
What is the tone of the poem?
The poem’s tone is introspective, contemplative, and ultimately hopeful. The speaker reflects on the nature of life and death, but offers a message of comfort and reassurance in the face of mortality.
How does the poem use the metaphor of the body as a “fading mansion”?
This metaphor emphasizes the impermanence of the body and reminds the reader that it is ultimately just a temporary housing for the soul.
How does the speaker use antithesis in line 12?
The antithesis “Within be fed, without be rich no more” emphasizes the contrast between the soul’s need for spiritual nourishment and the world’s focus on material wealth.
What is the significance of the final line?
The final line, “And, Death once dead, there’s no more dying then,” offers a powerful message of hope and suggests that the soul can achieve a state of eternal life by overcoming the fear of death.
What is the speaker’s attitude towards the body?
While recognizing the body’s limitations and inherent sinfulness, the speaker ultimately acknowledges its role as a temporary vessel for the soul and doesn’t advocate for complete self-denial.
How does the poem relate to Christian beliefs?
The poem reflects Christian beliefs in the inherent sinfulness of the flesh, the importance of spiritual salvation, and the soul’s ability to transcend death through faith.
What are some contemporary interpretations of the poem?
While the poem’s core message remains relevant, contemporary interpretations often emphasize themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and achieving inner peace regardless of religious beliefs.
How does Sonnet 146 compare to other Shakespearean sonnets?
While exploring themes of love, beauty, and mortality, this sonnet stands out for its emphasis on the soul’s journey and its ultimately hopeful message about overcoming death.
Essay Type Questions
1. Write the critical appreciation of the poem.
Introduction
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 146, “Poor soul, the centre of my sinful earth,” is a masterfully crafted exploration of the timeless struggle between the soul’s yearning for spiritual fulfillment and the body’s allure of worldly pleasures. Through its meticulous use of form, vivid imagery, and powerful poetic devices, the poem paints a poignant portrait of this internal conflict, offering a profound message about the pursuit of meaning in life.
Structure, Form, and Rhyme Scheme
The poem adheres to the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, consisting of fourteen lines divided into three quatrains and a concluding couplet. This strict structure provides a sense of order and control, reflecting the poem’s contemplation of profound themes. The ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme creates a rhythm and musicality that adds to the poem’s beauty and memorability. The iambic pentameter, with its alternating pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables, further contributes to the poem’s flow and elegance.
Theme
The central theme of “Soul and Body” revolves around the conflict between the soul’s desire for spiritual growth and the body’s attraction to worldly pleasures. The speaker paints a stark contrast between the “poor soul” trapped within the “sinful earth,” highlighting the conflicting forces that drive human behavior. The poem critiques the futility of focusing solely on material possessions and fleeting pleasures, urging readers to prioritize spiritual pursuits and cultivate inner peace.
Imagery
Shakespeare employs vivid imagery to convey the poem’s themes and evoke strong emotions in the reader. Images like “sinful earth,” “fading mansion,” and “costly gay” portray the body as temporary and ultimately inadequate. In contrast, images like “terms divine” and “death once dead” offer a glimpse of the soul’s potential for spiritual fulfillment and eternal life. This contrasting imagery effectively underscores the poem’s message about the importance of prioritizing spiritual pursuits.
Poetic Devices
The poem is enriched by a variety of poetic devices that enhance its impact and deepen its meaning. Metaphors, such as “sinful earth” and “fading mansion,” allow for a concise and evocative portrayal of the body’s limitations. Personification, as seen in the description of the soul as “suffering dearth,” gives the soul human qualities and allows for greater empathy and understanding. Antithesis, such as “Within be fed, without be rich no more,” emphasizes the contrast between the soul’s need for spiritual nourishment and the world’s focus on material wealth. These devices collectively contribute to the poem’s richness and power.
Conclusion
“Soul and Body” (Sonnet 146) stands as a testament to Shakespeare’s masterful use of language and form to explore profound themes of life and death. Through its vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and structured form, the poem offers a timeless message about the importance of seeking inner peace and enduring meaning beyond the transient pleasures of the world. By urging readers to prioritize the soul’s journey and embrace the inevitability of death, the poem provides solace and hope in the face of mortality.
2. Write long note on Poetic devices used in Poem.
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 146, “Poor soul, the centre of my sinful earth,” is not just a poem; it’s a symphony of poetic devices orchestrated to resonate with the human soul. Each line is meticulously crafted, employing various tools to paint a vivid picture of the internal struggle between the body and the soul. Let’s delve into the hidden orchestra of poetic devices that make this sonnet so powerful.
Metaphor:
“Sinful earth”: This powerful metaphor portrays the body as a corrupt and temporary dwelling for the soul, emphasizing the contrast between the physical and spiritual realms.
“Fading mansion“: This poignant metaphor further emphasizes the body’s impermanence, comparing it to a decaying structure destined to crumble.
“Terms divine”: This metaphor alludes to spiritual rewards and blessings attained through prioritizing the soul’s well-being.
Personification:
“Soul”: The soul is personified throughout the poem, giving it the ability to “pine,” “suffer,” and “live,” making it relatable and eliciting empathy from the reader.
“Death”: Death is portrayed as a consuming entity, feeding on humans, adding a layer of fear and urgency to the poem’s message.
Antithesis:
“Costly gay vs. short lease”: This stark contrast highlights the futility of adorning the temporary body with expensive ornaments.
“Within be fed, without be rich no more”: This powerful antithesis emphasizes the need to prioritize spiritual nourishment over worldly wealth.
Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words. In “Sonnet 146,” examples of alliteration include the repetition of the “s” sound in “soul” and “sinful” in line one and “soul” and “servant” in line nine1. Alliteration is used to create rhythm and mood and to draw attention to certain words and ideas.
Hyperbole:
“So large cost”: This exaggeration emphasizes the excessive spending on worldly possessions, further highlighting its futility.
Paradox:
“Death once dead”: This seemingly contradictory statement implies that overcoming the fear of death can lead to a state beyond death, offering a glimmer of hope and transcendence.
Allusion:
“Hours of dross”: This biblical allusion refers to worthless material possessions, emphasizing the need to prioritize spiritual growth.
Imagery:
The poem uses vivid imagery, such as “earth,” “mansion,” and “worms,” to create a strong visual and emotional impact on the reader.
The contrast between the “fading mansion” of the body and the “terms divine” of the soul creates a clear distinction between the temporal and the eternal.
Symbolism:
The body can be interpreted as a symbol of physical limitations and earthly desires.
The soul can be seen as a symbol of spiritual aspirations and the potential for eternity.
Enjambment:
Enjambment is a poetic device where the sentence does not end at the end of the line, but continues to the next line. This device is used to maintain the flow of thought and to create suspense. An example of enjambment in “Sonnet 146” is the transition between lines nine and ten1. Enjambment allows the poem to flow smoothly and naturally, reflecting the speaker’s stream of consciousness.
