Sonnet 73 by William Shakespeare | That time of year thou | Sonnet 73 | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Sonnet 73
That time of year thou mayst in me behold
That time of year thou mayst in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruin’d choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.
In me thou see’st the twilight of such day
As after sunset fadeth in the west,
Which by and by black night doth take away,
Death’s second self, that seals up all in rest.
In me thou see’st the glowing of such fire
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,
As the death-bed whereon it must expire,
Consum’d with that which it was nourish’d by.
This thou perceiv’st, which makes thy love more strong,
To love that well which thou must leave ere long.
line-by-line explanation of the poem
Line 1: That time of year thou mayst in me behold
Explanation
The speaker directly addresses their beloved (“thou”) inviting them to see the reflection of autumn’s decline within them. This is direct address and sets the stage for a personal introspective poem.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “That time of year” is a metaphor for the speaker’s late age and declining vitality.
Line 2: When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Explanation
This line elaborates on the metaphor, depicting the bare branches with only a few remaining leaves, clinging on despite the cold. This creates a vivid imagery of decay and decline.
Line 3: Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Explanation
The speaker personifies the branches, attributing human emotions like “shaking” to them. This adds pathos and evokes a sense of vulnerability.
Poetic devices
Personification: The branches are given human characteristics like “shaking,” evoking empathy for the vulnerable speaker.
Line 4: Bare ruin’d choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.
Explanation
The branches, once vibrant and alive with birdsong, are now likened to “bare ruin’d choirs,” highlighting the silence and emptiness left behind. This uses juxtaposition to emphasize the contrast between past and present.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: The branches are transformed into “bare ruin’d choirs,” showcasing their former glory and emphasizing the silence left behind.
Alliteration: repetition of the “s” sound in “sweet birds sang”.
Line 5: In me thou see’st the twilight of such day
Explanation
The speaker draws a parallel between their own state and the “twilight of such day,” comparing their age to the fading light of sunset. This reinforces the metaphor of autumn representing their declining years.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: The metaphor of “twilight” represents the declining years of the speaker’s life.
Line 6: As after sunset fadeth in the west,
Explanation
This line further emphasizes the fading light of life, using sunset as a simile to depict the speaker’s approaching end.
Poetic devices
Simile: “As…fadeth” directly compares the speaker’s state to the setting sun.
Line 7: Which by and by black night doth take away,
Explanation
“Black night” is a metaphor for death, which gradually consumes the light of day and life. This uses personification of night to make death seem inevitable and powerful.
Poetic devices
Metaphor and Personification: “Black night” becomes a metaphor for death, personified as a force that “doth take away” the light of life.
Line 8: Death’s second self, that seals up all in rest.
Explanation
Death is called “death’s second self,” highlighting its finality and permanence. “Rest” represents eternal peace, providing some consolation for the inevitability of death.
Poetic devices
Personification: Death personified as having a “second self , bringing an end to everything and providing rest.
Line 9: In me thou see’st the glowing of such fire
Explanation
The speaker continues the metaphor, now comparing their life force to a dying fire, its embers still glowing but fading. This uses imagery to evoke a sense of waning vitality.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “Fire” is a metaphor for the speaker’s remaining passion and life force.
Line 10: That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,
Explanation
The fire rests on the “ashes of his youth,” highlighting the passage of time and the depletion of youthful energy. This uses symbolism of ashes representing lost vitality.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: The ashes of youth serve as a metaphor for the remnants or memories of the speaker’s earlier years.
Line 11: As the death-bed whereon it must expire,
Explanation
The fire is further compared to a “death-bed,” emphasizing the inevitability of its extinction, paralleling the speaker’s approaching end. This uses simile to directly compare the fire’s fate to the speaker’s mortality.
Poetic devices:
Simile: “As the death-bed” directly establishes the parallel between the fire and the speaker’s mortality.
Line 12: Consum’d with that which it was nourish’d by.
Explanation
The fire is consumed by the very fuel it once thrived on, suggesting a cyclical nature of life and death. There’s a touch of irony here, as the fire, which was initially nourished, is now consumed by the same elements.
Poetic devices
Irony: There’s a touch of irony here, as the fire, which was initially nourished, is now consumed by the same elements.
Line 13: This thou perceiv’st, which makes thy love more strong,
Explanation
The speaker acknowledges their beloved’s understanding of their decline, suggesting that this awareness paradoxically strengthens their love.
Line 14: To love that well which thou must leave ere long.
Explanation
The final line emphasizes the bittersweet nature of love in the face of mortality. The speaker encourages their beloved to cherish them “well” even though they must part soon. This uses paradox to highlight the contradiction of loving what we must inevitably lose.
Poetic devices
Paradox: The paradox lies in the idea that the awareness of impending loss strengthens love, even though it might seem contradictory.
Summary
“Sonnet 73” is one of the most famous of William Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets. It was likely written in the 1590s and published in 1609. This sonnet is part of the Fair Youth sequence, a series of poems (from sonnets 1 to 126) that are addressed to an unnamed young man. The Fair Youth sequence has strong romantic language that portrays intense imagery.
In Sonnet 73, Shakespeare uses the imagery of autumn and fading light to reflect on his own aging and approaching death. He compares himself to a barren tree, a dying fire, and the twilight hour, showcasing his declining vitality and sense of approaching darkness.
However, the poem is not simply a lament. The speaker finds solace in the enduring love of his beloved, emphasizing that even in the face of mortality, their love can deepen and strengthen. He encourages cherishing each other “well” despite the inevitability of parting.
The poem’s key message lies in the bittersweet paradox of love and death. While acknowledging the pain of separation, Shakespeare celebrates the enduring power of love that can flourish and deepen even as we face the end.
Here are some additional points to consider:
The poem employs numerous poetic devices like metaphors, personification, similes, and paradoxes to enhance its emotional impact and complexity.
The speaker’s direct address to his beloved creates a sense of intimacy and shared vulnerability.
The use of nature imagery adds a layer of universality, connecting the speaker’s personal experience to the larger cycle of life and death.
Overall, Sonnet 73 offers a poignant and thought-provoking reflection on aging, love, and the preciousness of life in the face of mortality. It is a powerful reminder to cherish the present and find solace in the connections we hold dear.
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 typically understood to be an older person addressing a younger man.
Setting: The setting isn’t specific, but the poem uses metaphors of autumn, twilight, and a dying fire to convey the passage of time.
Theme: Aging, mortality, and the enduring nature of love.
Plot: The poem doesn’t have a plot in the traditional sense, but it presents a progression of metaphors to express the speaker’s perception of aging. The speaker compares himself to a late autumn day, twilight after sunset, and the glowing remnants of a fire.
Tone: The tone of the poem is somewhat melancholic and reflective, as the speaker contemplates his own aging and mortality.
Style: Shakespeare’s style in this sonnet is characterized by his use of metaphor and personification.
Message: The message of the poem is that the awareness of our own mortality can make our love for others stronger. The speaker suggests that knowing we will have to part from our loved ones can make us love them even more deeply. The enduring power of love can triumph over the melancholy of mortality during old age.
Structure and Rhyme Scheme
Structure
The structure of Sonnet 73 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 | Thou | You | तुम |
| 1 | mayst | archaic second person singular present of “may” | सकना |
| 1 | behold | to see or perceive | देखना, अनुभव करना |
| 2 | hang | to be suspended from above | टांगना, लटकना |
| 2 | boughs | branches of a tree | शाखाएं |
| 3 | shake | to tremble or vibrate | कांपना, हिलना |
| 4 | choirs | groups of singers | गायन-दल |
| 4 | ruin’d | destroyed or damaged | खंडहर, बर्बाद |
| 5 | twilight | the period of faint light after sunset | शाम का समय, गोधूलि |
| 5 | fadeth | becomes fainter or weaker | कम होना, मंद पड़ना |
| 6 | by and by | gradually or little by little | धीरे-धीरे, क्रमशः |
| 7 | doth | present tense third-person singular of do. (Does) | |
| 7 | taketh away | removes or carries off | ले जाना, दूर करना |
| 7 | black night | complete darkness | घोर अंधकार |
| 8 | second self | another self, a duplicate | दूसरा रूप, अनुकृति |
| 9 | glowing | emitting a soft, warm light | चमकता हुआ, दमकता हुआ |
| 10 | ashes | राख | |
| 10 | lie | to be situated or positioned | होना, स्थित होना |
| 11 | death-bed | the bed on which someone dies | मृत्यु-शय्या |
| 11 | expire | to come to an end | समाप्त होना, खत्म होना |
| 12 | nourish’d | fed or supplied with food | पोषित, पाला गया |
| 12 | consum’d | destroyed or used up completely | भस्म हो जाना, समाप्त हो जाना |
| 13 | perceiv’st | understand or recognize | समझना, अनुभव करना |
| 14 | leave | to depart or go away | छोड़ना, जाना |
| 14 | Ere long | Before very long | जल्द ही |
Very Short Answer Questions
Who wrote “Sonnet 73”?
William Shakespeare.
What is the main theme of the poem?
Aging, mortality, and the enduring nature of love.
What season is evoked with the mention of “yellow leaves”?
Autumn.
What does the speaker compare himself to in the first line?
A specific time of year.
What does the metaphor “Bare ruin’d choirs” refer to?
The bare branches, likened to ruined choirs where birds once sang.
What poetic device is used when the poet says, “Upon those boughs which shake against the cold”?
Personification.
What is the metaphorical significance of the “twilight” in the poem?
The later years of the speaker’s life.
What is personified as “Death’s second self” in the poem?
Death.
What is the simile used to describe the fading sunset?
“As after sunset fadeth in the west.”
What does the metaphor “In me thou see’st the glowing of such fire” represent?
The vitality or life force within the speaker.
What does the fire lie on, according to the poem?
The ashes of its youth.
What poetic device is present in the line “Consumed with that which it was nourish’d by”?
Irony.
What is the paradoxical idea presented in the last line?
The awareness of impending loss enhances love.
What overall mood does the poem convey?
Melancholic and reflective.
What does the poem suggest about the relationship between love and mortality?
Love can make life meaningful and beautiful despite its shortness.
What is the speaker’s attitude towards the passage of time?
Reflective and accepting.
What is the invitation given by the poem to readers?
To cherish and deepen connections in the face of life’s transience.
What does the metaphor “glowing fire” symbolize?
The vitality or energy within the speaker.
What is the significance of the metaphor “Bare ruin’d choirs, where late the sweet birds sang”?
It symbolizes the loss of vitality and beauty.
How does the awareness of mortality affect love in the poem?
It intensifies and strengthens the power of love.
Short Answer Questions
How does the poet use the changing seasons to convey a message in “Sonnet 73”?
The changing seasons, particularly the imagery of autumn, serve as metaphors for the speaker’s aging and the inevitable decline of life.
What is the significance of the metaphor “Death’s second self” in the poem?
“Death’s second self” personifies death as a force that brings an end to life, emphasizing its finality and the arrival of rest.
How does the poet employ the metaphor of a “dying fire” to convey a theme in the sonnet?
The metaphor of a dying fire symbolizes the waning energy of old age, emphasizing the inevitable passage of time and the speaker’s approaching mortality.
What impact does the awareness of impending loss have on the speaker’s view of love in “Sonnet 73”?
The speaker suggests that the awareness of impending loss enhances and strengthens the intensity of love, adding a layer of depth and poignancy to the poem.
How does the poet use visual imagery to convey the theme of transience in the sonnet?
Visual images like “yellow leaves” and “bare ruin’d choirs” evoke a sense of change and loss, emphasizing the transient nature of life and beauty.
What is the significance of the speaker addressing an absent or imaginary person in the poem?
The use of apostrophe enhances the emotional impact, as the speaker directly communicates with the reader, inviting them to share in the reflections on aging and mortality.
How does the sonnet use the metaphor of “twilight” to represent the speaker’s stage of life?
The metaphor of “twilight” suggests the speaker is in the later stages of life, experiencing a diminishing period, much like the fading light at the end of the day.
Why does the speaker compare himself to a specific time of year in the first line?
By comparing himself to a specific time of year, the speaker sets the tone for the sonnet, using seasonal imagery to symbolize the stages of life and the passage of time.
What is the role of the metaphor “black night” in the poem’s exploration of mortality?
“Black night” symbolizes death and the darkness that follows the metaphorical sunset, reinforcing the theme of mortality and the end of life.
How does the poem’s use of metaphors contribute to its overall impact?
The carefully crafted metaphors, such as the fading sunset and dying fire, create vivid images that powerfully convey the universal themes of aging, mortality, and the enduring nature of love.
Essay Type Questions
1. Write the critical appreciation of the poem.
Introduction:
“Sonnet 73” by William Shakespeare is a masterfully crafted poem that delves into the universal themes of aging, mortality, and the enduring nature of love. This sonnet, like many others by Shakespeare, adheres to the traditional form of the Shakespearean or Elizabethan sonnet. It comprises 14 lines, each with iambic pentameter, and is renowned for its profound reflection on the passage of time.
Structure and Form:
“Sonnet 73” adheres to the classic structure of a Shakespearean sonnet. It consists of three quatrains, followed by a rhymed couplet. The quatrains present different facets of the central theme, creating a progressive development of ideas. The sonnet’s structure contributes to the gradual unfolding of the speaker’s reflections on aging and mortality. The concise yet structured nature of the sonnet format allows for a focused exploration of complex themes within a limited space.
Rhyme Scheme:
The rhyme scheme of “Sonnet 73” is ABABCDCDEFEFGG. Each quatrain follows an alternating rhyme pattern, and the concluding rhymed couplet provides closure to the poem. The structured rhyme scheme contributes to the sonnet’s musicality and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the final rhymed couplet often serves as a concluding thought or a twist that crystallizes the thematic essence of the poem.
Theme:
The overarching theme of “Sonnet 73” revolves around the inevitability of aging, the transience of life, and the enduring power of love. The poem contemplates the stages of life, comparing them to the changing seasons, the fading light of a day, and the dying embers of a fire. The central theme is mortality, and the poem suggests that the awareness of one’s impending demise intensifies the significance of love. Love becomes a source of solace and meaning in the face of the inevitable passage of time.
Imagery:
Imagery plays a pivotal role in “Sonnet 73,” contributing to the poem’s emotional impact and vivid portrayal of the speaker’s reflections. The imagery is rich and multifaceted, employing metaphors drawn from nature and everyday life. The mention of “yellow leaves” evokes the visual image of autumn, symbolizing a stage of life marked by decline and change. The metaphor of “Bare ruin’d choirs” paints a vivid picture of bare branches resembling the ruins of a choir where birds once sang, emphasizing the loss of vitality and beauty. The use of visual metaphors, such as the fading sunset and the dying fire, adds layers of meaning, creating a poignant atmosphere that resonates with readers.
Poetic Devices:
“Sonnet 73” showcases Shakespeare’s mastery of poetic devices, enhancing the depth and resonance of the poem. Throughout the sonnet, Shakespeare employs metaphors, similes, personification, and irony to convey complex emotions and ideas. The metaphor of “Death’s second self” personifies death, presenting it as a force that seals everything in rest. This personification adds a layer of depth to the thematic exploration of mortality. The use of similes, such as “As after sunset fadeth in the west,” enhances the reader’s understanding by drawing parallels between the fading sunset and the speaker’s life. Irony is subtly woven into the poem, particularly in the line “Consumed with that which it was nourish’d by,” where the fire that once thrived is now consumed by the elements that sustained it. These poetic devices contribute to the richness of the language and the emotional resonance of the sonnet.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, “Sonnet 73” by William Shakespeare is a timeless exploration of the human experience, tackling themes that resonate across centuries. The carefully crafted structure, rhyme scheme, and use of poetic devices contribute to the poem’s enduring appeal. The vivid imagery, drawn from the natural world and everyday life, creates a powerful emotional landscape. The sonnet’s central theme of aging, mortality, and the enduring nature of love is universal, making it a poignant and thought-provoking piece of literature. Through its eloquent expression and profound insights, “Sonnet 73” stands as a testament to Shakespeare’s ability to encapsulate the complexities of the human condition in a mere 14 lines.
2. Write long note on Poetic devices used in Poem.
1. Metaphor:
Metaphor is a central poetic device in “Sonnet 73,” where the speaker employs vivid comparisons to convey complex emotions and ideas. The changing seasons, such as “yellow leaves” hanging on branches, serve as a metaphor for the different stages of life. The metaphor of a “glowing fire” on the ashes of youth symbolizes the waning vitality of old age. These metaphors provide readers with tangible and relatable images that enhance the emotional impact of the poem.
2. Simile:
Shakespeare uses similes to draw explicit comparisons between different elements, aiding in the reader’s understanding. For instance, the line “As after sunset fadeth in the west” employs a simile to liken the fading sunset to the speaker’s own life. This simile adds depth to the thematic exploration of the passage of time, allowing readers to visualize and connect with the speaker’s experiences.
3. Personification:
Personification is skillfully employed to imbue inanimate objects or abstract concepts with human qualities. The phrase “Death’s second self” personifies death, presenting it as an entity with the power to bring rest. This personification enhances the impact of the poem by giving death a tangible presence, reinforcing the inevitability of the speaker’s mortality.
4. Alliteration:
Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity, is subtly used in “Sonnet 73.” For example, in the line “Bare ruin’d choirs, where late the sweet birds sang,” the repetition of the “s” sound in “sweet birds sang” adds a musical quality to the verse. Alliteration contributes to the poem’s rhythm and emphasizes key images, creating a harmonious flow.
5. Apostrophe:
The use of apostrophe is notable in this sonnet as the speaker directly addresses an absent or imaginary person, often assumed to be the reader. This apostrophic element creates a sense of intimacy and engages the reader directly in the speaker’s reflections. It serves to heighten the emotional impact of the poem by making the reader an active participant in the discourse.
6. Irony:
Irony is subtly woven into the fabric of the poem, particularly in the line “Consumed with that which it was nourish’d by.” Here, the fire, symbolizing the speaker’s vitality, is ironically consumed by the very elements that once nurtured it. This irony adds layers of complexity to the poem, prompting readers to contemplate the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of decline.
7. Enjambment:
Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, is used throughout the sonnet. The enjambment contributes to the fluidity of the poem, creating a seamless progression of ideas from one line to the next. This technique enhances the sonnet’s rhythmic quality and emphasizes the interconnectedness of the speaker’s reflections.
8. Paradox:
The use of paradox is evident in the final line, “To love that well which thou must leave ere long.” The paradox lies in the idea that the awareness of impending loss intensifies and strengthens love. This paradoxical statement encapsulates a profound truth about the human experience—love’s power to transcend the constraints of time and mortality.
In conclusion, the poetic devices employed in “Sonnet 73” contribute to its timeless beauty and emotional resonance. Shakespeare’s masterful use of metaphor, simile, personification, and other literary devices elevates the sonnet beyond a mere exploration of aging and mortality, transforming it into a profound meditation on the enduring nature of love and the complexities of the human condition.
