Sonnet 129: Th’ Expense of Spirit in a Waste Of Shame
Sonnet 129: Th’ Expense of Spirit in a Waste Of Shame
Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame
Is lust in action; and till action, lust
Is perjured, murd’rous, bloody, full of blame,
Savage, extreme, rude, cruel, not to trust,
Enjoyed no sooner but despisèd straight,
Past reason hunted; and, no sooner had
Past reason hated as a swallowed bait
On purpose laid to make the taker mad;
Mad in pursuit and in possession so,
Had, having, and in quest to have, extreme;
A bliss in proof and proved, a very woe;
Before, a joy proposed; behind, a dream.
All this the world well knows; yet none knows well
To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell.
Summary of Sonnet 129: Th’ Expense Of Spirit In A Waste Of Shame
- Popularity of “Sonnet 129”: Sonnet 129, an evocative modern poem, is a profound exploration of the destructive power of lust. It is not a traditional love poem celebrating affection but a stark and honest portrayal of the emotional and physical consequences of unchecked desire. The poem resonates because it fearlessly tackles a universally experienced, yet often unspoken aspect of human nature.
- “Sonnet 129” as a Representative of Desire: This sonnet delves into the paradoxical nature of lust, presenting it as an inherently unsatisfying and ultimately shameful experience. The speaker defines lust as “the expense of spirit in a waste of shame,” immediately establishing its corrosive effect on the soul. The poem then meticulously details the cycle of temptation, indulgence, and subsequent disgust. Lust is portrayed not as a pleasurable act but as a relentless pursuit that offers only fleeting satisfaction, quickly followed by feelings of contempt and self‑loathing. The speaker observes that even in its fulfillment, lust remains unfulfilling, a “joy proposed” that dissolves into a “dream.” Ultimately, the sonnet expresses a sense of tragic inevitability; humanity knows the destructive path of lust yet is repeatedly drawn toward it.
- Major Themes in “Sonnet 129”: The central themes of this sonnet are loss, desire, shame, and the self‑destructive nature of passion. The poem masterfully explores the internal conflict between reason and instinct. It is not merely an indictment of lust but a contemplation of the human condition – our capacity for both elevated thought and base desire. It raises questions about free will versus predestination; are we truly masters of our own fate, or are we driven by forces beyond our control? The sonnet also touches on the theme of illusion; the fleeting “joy” offered by lust is ultimately revealed as a deceptive mirage, leaving behind only emptiness and regret.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Sonnet 129: Th’ Expense of Spirit In A Waste Of Shame
Shakespeare employs a range of literary devices in Sonnet 129 to create a powerful and nuanced exploration of desire and its consequences. These devices amplify the emotional impact of the poem and contribute to its enduring relevance.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds creates a musical quality and emphasizes certain words or ideas. For example, the repeated “e” sound in “Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame” draws attention to the initial declaration of loss and wastefulness.
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds adds emphasis and creates a memorable rhythm. Notice the alliteration in “Past reason hunted,” where the repeated ‘p’ sound underscores the relentless and obsessive nature of desire.
- Consonance: Similar to alliteration, consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds within words. The repetition of the ‘r’ sound in “Before, a joy proposed; behind, a dream” creates a sense of lingering regret and the fleeting nature of pleasure.
- Enjambment: Shakespeare frequently uses enjambment, allowing lines to flow seamlessly into one another. This technique mirrors the relentless and unstoppable nature of desire. For example:
“Past reason hunted; and, no sooner had
Past reason hated as a swallowed bait
On purpose laid to make the taker mad;The thought continues unbroken across the lines, reflecting the way lust overwhelms reason.
- Imagery: The poem is rich in evocative imagery that appeals to the senses. Phrases like “waste of shame” and “swallowed bait” create a visceral reaction in the reader, emphasizing the destructive and treacherous nature of lust.
- Irony: There is a subtle irony in the final couplet. The speaker acknowledges that humanity knows the destructive path of lust yet is repeatedly drawn toward it. This highlights the inherent contradiction in human nature—our capacity for both reason and irrationality.
- Metaphor: The poem’s central metaphor presents lust as a destructive force, a “waste of spirit” that depletes and degrades the soul. This extended metaphor is sustained throughout the sonnet, shaping our understanding of desire.
- Symbolism: The “bait” symbolizes temptation, deliberately laid to ensnare and mislead. The act of “swallowing” suggests a reckless and thoughtless indulgence that leads to ruin.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Sonnet 129: Th’ Expense of Spirit In A Waste Of Shame
In addition to literary devices, the poem skillfully employs a range of poetic devices to enhance the musicality and meaning of Sonnet 129.
- Diction: The language is deliberately forceful and often harsh. Words like “murd’rous,” “bloody,” and “cruel” convey the destructive power of lust and create a sense of moral condemnation.
- End Rhyme: The poem adheres to the traditional sonnet rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG), which provides a sense of order and musicality. The end rhymes create a satisfying sense of closure and emphasize the connections between ideas.
- Iambic Pentameter: The poem is written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern consisting of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables per line. For example: “Th’ expense of spirit in a waste of shame.” This rhythmic structure creates a natural flow and enhances the poem’s musicality.
- Rhyme Scheme: As mentioned above, the poem follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG). This structure provides a framework for the poem’s argument and creates a sense of unity.
- Sonnet: The very form of the poem—a fourteen‑lined sonnet—contributes to its meaning. The sonnet form allows the poet to explore a complex idea in a concise and structured manner.
- Tone: The poem’s tone shifts throughout. It begins with a mournful and accusatory tone, condemning the destructive nature of lust. Later, the tone becomes more resigned, acknowledging the inevitability of human weakness.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are particularly potent and can be used to illustrate the poem’s themes and message:
“A bliss in proof, and proved, a very woe;
Before, a joy proposed; behind, a dream.
All this the world well knows, yet none knows well
To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell.”
These lines encapsulate the central paradox of the poem—the fleeting pleasure of lust is ultimately revealed as a source of sorrow and regret, and humanity seems incapable of resisting its allure. They serve as a powerful reminder of the complexities of human desire and the enduring struggle between reason and instinct.