Poetry · Chapter
Sonnet CX explained
The poet confesses his past indiscretions and infidelities, acknowledging that he has made a spectacle of himself and devalued what was most precious.
What happens
The poet confesses his past indiscretions and infidelities, acknowledging that he has made a spectacle of himself and devalued what was most precious. He admits to looking upon truth askance, yet claims these deviations rejuvenated his heart and ultimately proved his beloved to be his best love. He vows to cease his wandering desires and seek welcome in the beloved's pure and loving breast.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
The poet admits to looking on truth 'askance and strangely,' acknowledging his own deceptions while affirming the ultimate truth of his love.
Love and Desire
The poem explores the tension between wandering desire and committed love, culminating in the poet's vow to confine his appetite to one beloved.
Characters to notice
- William Shakespeare
The speaker of the sonnet, confessing his own faults and reaffirming his devotion.
- Love
Personified as a god to whom the poet is confined, representing the idealized beloved.
Key passages
“Alas, ’tis true I have gone here and there And made myself a motley to the view, Gored mine own thoughts, sold cheap what is most dear, Made old offences of affections new”
Sadly, it's true that I have wandered everywhere, making a fool of myself in public, wounded my own thoughts, devalued what was most precious, and turned new loves into old sins.
The poet confesses his past infidelities and self-destructive behavior.
“Now all is done, have what shall have no end: Mine appetite I never more will grind On newer proof, to try an older friend, A god in love, to whom I am confined.”
Now everything is settled: accept what will last forever. I will no longer sharpen my desire on new experiences to test an older friend, a god in love to whom I am bound.
The poet vows to end his wandering desires and remain faithful to his beloved.