Sonnet 73
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 ruined 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
Consumed with that which it was nourished by.
This thou perceiv’st, which makes thy love more strong,
To love that well which thou must leave ere long.
Understanding Sonnet 73
Sonnet 73, penned by the masterful William Shakespeare, is a poignant exploration of aging, mortality, and the deepening of love in the face of inevitable loss. The poem is a heartfelt address to a beloved, where the speaker uses vivid imagery of autumn, twilight, and dying embers to convey the approach of his own death. The poem was first published as part of Shakespeare’s sonnet sequence in 1609, and it continues to resonate with readers for its emotional honesty and beautiful language.
A Summary of the Poem
The speaker invites his beloved to observe the signs of his aging. He compares himself to late autumn, stripped bare of leaves, and to the fading light of day giving way to night. He further equates himself to a dying fire, glowing faintly on the ashes of what once was. The speaker realizes that his beloved understands his declining state, and it is precisely this understanding that makes her love for him even more profound—a love that grows stronger knowing their time together is limited.
In-Depth Analysis of Sonnet 73
The Autumnal Metaphor (Lines 1-4)
The poem immediately establishes a somber tone with the comparison to autumn. “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 ruined choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.” Shakespeare uses the image of bare branches to represent the speaker’s dwindling vitality. The “boughs” symbolize his life, and the missing leaves signify lost youth and strength. The “bare ruined choirs” evoke a sense of past beauty and joy now silenced, hinting at the loss of song and laughter that accompanies aging. This metaphor is not simply about physical decline, but also a loss of potential and the memory of vibrant life.
The Twilight Image (Lines 5-8)
The poem shifts to another powerful image—twilight—to further illustrate the speaker’s impending death. “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.” The fading light of sunset mirrors the speaker’s waning life force. “Black night” is not merely the absence of light, but a direct representation of death—a second self to sleep, but permanent and final. The phrase “seals up all in rest” is a delicate euphemism for death, suggesting a peaceful cessation but also an irreversible end.
The Dying Ember (Lines 9-12)
The final natural image is that of a dying fire. “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 / Consumed with that which it was nourished by.” This metaphor is particularly poignant. The “glowing” ember represents the last vestiges of the speaker’s vitality, a faint warmth lingering on the “ashes of his youth.” The image of a “death-bed” is direct and unsettling. The phrase “consumed with that which it was nourished by” suggests a natural process of decay, where the very elements that sustained life ultimately lead to its end. It is a bittersweet recognition of life’s cycle.
The Intensification of Love (Lines 13-14)
The final couplet offers a powerful resolution. “This thou perceiv’st, which makes thy love more strong, / To love that well which thou must leave ere long.” The speaker acknowledges that his beloved understands his mortality. This understanding does not diminish her love; rather, it intensifies it. Knowing that their time together is limited, she cherishes the present moment and loves him more strongly. This is the central paradox of the poem: the awareness of death can actually deepen the appreciation for life and love. The word “well” emphasizes the quality and depth of their connection.
Literary and Poetic Devices in Sonnet 73
Metaphor and Simile
The poem is rich in metaphor, as described in the analysis above. The autumn, twilight, and dying ember are all extended metaphors that represent the speaker’s aging and impending death. While there aren’t direct similes (using “like” or “as”), the metaphorical comparisons function similarly, creating vivid imagery and emotional resonance.
Imagery
Shakespeare masterfully employs visual imagery throughout the poem. The descriptions of “yellow leaves,” “fading light,” and “glowing embers” create a strong sensory experience for the reader, allowing us to visualize the speaker’s decline and the beauty of the natural world. This imagery is not merely descriptive but deeply symbolic, conveying the emotional weight of the poem.
Personification
While subtle, personification is present. “Death’s second self” attributes human qualities to death, portraying it as a being that “seals up all in rest.”
Sonnet Form
Sonnet 73 adheres to the traditional Shakespearean (or English) sonnet form. This includes fourteen lines written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables per line, and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The final rhyming couplet provides a concise and impactful resolution to the poem.
Iambic Pentameter
The rhythm of the poem, created by the iambic pentameter, contributes to its musicality and emotional impact. For example, consider the first line: “That time of year thou mayst in me behold.” The alternating unstressed and stressed syllables create a natural and flowing rhythm that enhances the poem’s overall effect.
Quotes for Reflection
The following lines are particularly evocative and suitable for discussions about aging, loss, and the power of love:
Bare ruined choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.
This line evokes a sense of lost beauty and joy, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life.
To love that well which thou must leave ere long.
This line encapsulates the central paradox of the poem: the awareness of loss can deepen our appreciation for love and life.
This comprehensive guide provides a thorough understanding of Sonnet 73, suitable for students, aspiring writers, and anyone interested in exploring the beauty and depth of Shakespeare’s poetry.