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Sonnet 26 by William Shakespeare | Sonnet 26 | Lord of my love, to whom in vassalage | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Questions Answers | Critical Appreciation | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons

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Lord of my love, to whom in vassalage

Thy merit hath my duty strongly knit,

To thee I send this written embassage,

To witness duty, not to show my wit:

Duty so great, which wit so poor as mine

May make seem bare, in wanting words to show it,

But that I hope some good conceit of thine

In thy soul’s thought, all naked, will bestow it:

Till whatsoever star that guides my moving,

Points on me graciously with fair aspect,

And puts apparel on my tottered loving,

To show me worthy of thy sweet respect:

Then may I dare to boast how I do love thee;

Till then, not show my head where thou mayst prove me.

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Sonnet 26 by William Shakespeare Analysis

Lord of my love, to whom in vassalage

Thy merit hath my duty strongly knit,

Explanation

This line establishes the poem’s core dynamic: a passionate, feudalistic devotion. “Lord” and “vassalage” paint the beloved as a powerful figure deserving utmost loyalty. “Thy merit” emphasizes the beloved’s qualities that inspire this devotion, suggesting it’s not blind infatuation but admiration for their character.

Poetic devices

Metaphor: The speaker’s love is likened to a lord, and their duty to a vassal.

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To thee I send this written embassage,

To witness duty, not to show my wit:

Explanation

This line clarifies the purpose of the poem. It’s not a boastful display of poetic skill (“wit”) but an “embassage,” a symbolic message offering proof of the speaker’s devotion. This humbles the poem’s intent, focusing on sincerity over artistic merit.

Poetic Device

Metaphor: The poem itself is a metaphor for an “embassage,” highlighting its role as a messenger of the speaker’s feelings.

Juxtaposition: “Duty” is contrasted with “wit,” emphasizing the poem’s intention to express sincere devotion, not impress with cleverness.

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Duty so great, which wit so poor as mine

May make seem bare, in wanting words to show it,

Explanation

Here, the speaker downplays their ability to express the vastness of their love. “Duty so great” evokes a powerful emotion, while “wit so poor” reinforces the speaker’s self-doubt and fear of inadequacy. This creates a sense of emotional vulnerability and highlights the near-inexpressibility of their love.

Poetic Device

Hyperbole: The speaker exaggerates their ‘poor’ wit and ‘great’ duty.

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But that I hope some good conceit of thine

In thy soul’s thought, all naked, will bestow it:

Explanation

Despite their self-doubt, the speaker finds hope in the beloved’s understanding. “Good conceit” suggests the beloved’s ability to see beyond the poem’s imperfections and appreciate the underlying sincerity. “Naked” implies honesty and vulnerability, adding depth to the speaker’s hope.

Poetic Device

Metaphor: The beloved’s understanding is referred to as being ‘naked’. The metaphor of the soul’s thought being “naked” implies openness and vulnerability, adding depth to the speaker’s hope.

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Till whatsoever star that guides my moving,

Points on me graciously with fair aspect,

And puts apparel on my tottered loving,

To show me worthy of thy sweet respect:

Explanation

This line introduces the “star,” a metaphor for a guiding force or influence. The speaker yearns for something external to elevate their ability to express love. “Tattered loving” portrays their love as incomplete, waiting to be adorned and made worthy of the beloved’s respect. This suggests a desire for improvement and a sense of inadequacy in their current state.

Poetic devices

Metaphor: The “star” is a powerful metaphor for various interpretations: inspiration, divine intervention, chance, or even fate.

Personification: The ‘star’ is personified as guiding and pointing.

Metaphor and Personification: “Tattered loving” is a metaphor for imperfect love, personified by being “appareled” and made worthy.

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Then may I dare to boast how I do love thee;

Till then, not show my head where thou mayst prove me.

Explanation

This line reveals the speaker’s fear of being judged. They hesitate to openly express their love (“show my head”) until they feel more confident and worthy. “Prove me” implies a potential test of their love’s sincerity and depth. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation.

Poetic devices

Metaphor: “Show my head” is a metaphor for revealing themselves and their love openly, suggesting vulnerability and potential shame.

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Sonnet 26 by William Shakespeare: YouTube Link