Poetry · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter provides editorial commentary on a textual error in the first printing of Sonnet 146 from 1609, where the printer repeated 'My sinful earth' due to an eye skip error.
What happens
This chapter provides editorial commentary on a textual error in the first printing of Sonnet 146 from 1609, where the printer repeated 'My sinful earth' due to an eye skip error. It discusses scholarly attempts to reconstruct Shakespeare's original wording, noting that 'Why feed'st' is a common proposed correction among many alternatives.
Characters to notice
- William Shakespeare
Mentioned as the author whose original intent for Sonnet 146 is debated due to a printer's error.
Key passages
“In the first printing of this sonnet in 1609, the printer here repeats “My sinful earth” instead of “Why feed’st.” This is considered to be an error, as the repetition of the last words in the previous line—a common type of typesetting oversight called an “eye skip error”—breaks the sonnet’s meter.”
The 1609 edition mistakenly printed 'My sinful earth' twice due to a common printer's error, disrupting the sonnet's rhythm.
Explains the textual corruption in the original publication.
“Shakespeare’s original intent has been lost, and modern scholars have a variety of theories on what it might have been.”
Scholars are uncertain what Shakespeare originally wrote and have proposed multiple possible corrections.
Highlights the uncertainty and scholarly debate over the correct wording.