- Identify and analyze the theme of 'Constancy' in the poem.
- Discuss the use of negatives in the poet's statements.
- Interpret the line 'I never writ, nor no man ever loved'.
- Explore the portrayal of love as an active subject in the poem.
- Explain the phrases 'his bending sickle's compass' and 'Time's fool'.
- Understand the structure and variations of a Shakespearean sonnet.
Let me Not to the Marriag..
Learning Objectives
TopRevision Notes & Summary
TopNotes on Shakespeare's Sonnet 116
Overview of the Poem
- Title: Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds
- Author: William Shakespeare
- Type: Shakespearean sonnet
Theme
- Constancy is the central theme of the poem.
- Words, phrases, and images that suggest this theme include:
- "ever-fixed mark"
- "star to every wandering bark"
- "bears it out even to the edge of doom"
- Words, phrases, and images that suggest this theme include:
Analysis Questions
- Negatives in the Poem
- Why does the poet use many 'negatives' to make his statement?
- Implication of the Line
- What does the line 'I never writ, nor no man ever loved' imply?
- Love as a Subject
- How is love presented as the subject or doer of actions in the poem?
- Phrase Explanations
- a. his bending sickle's compass
- b. Time's fool
Suggested Reading
- Poem: "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day" by William Shakespeare
About the Poet
- William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
- Renowned poet and dramatist of the English language.
- Born in Stratford-on-Avon, established his reputation in London.
- Authored 154 sonnets, published in 1602, and 37 plays.