Sonnet 73

...

As the sonnet concludes the narrator realizes that there are no possible solutions for his problems and that he must accept his realty. The narrator fully understands that his youth and he cannot change time back to the way it was. Thinking back on his past gives him the love and strength to cherish whatever he has in light of the fact that he will lose it all. The line “As the death-bed whereon it must expire” (11) explains that the narrator is well aware that his death will be imminent. In this way, he should simply make the best of what he has left of his time because at the end he must give up everything.

In conclusion, it is evident that Shakespeare can conduct true love and how it is unaltered notwithstanding even when his aging causes physical harm. Shakespeare clarifies that his death does not impede his love by using illustrations and metaphors in his sonnet. He does this by comparing himself with the leaves of a tree, the time of day, and the flames of fire. Shakespeare demonstrates the quality of his affection between his dearest notwithstanding when they know death is drawing closer for both of them. It is quite ironic that the fact of the matter is that they both know they will soon be separated by death but their love for each other becomes more stronger as shown in this lines “This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong, To love that well which thou must leave ere long” (13-14).

---------------------------------------------------------------

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. “Sonnet 73.” University of the Virgin Islands, 1609. Class handout.