Poetry · Chapter
Sonnet 138 explained
The speaker acknowledges the mutual deception in his relationship with his beloved, who lies about her fidelity while he pretends to believe her, both choosing to ignore their faults for the sake of love.
What happens
The speaker acknowledges the mutual deception in his relationship with his beloved, who lies about her fidelity while he pretends to believe her, both choosing to ignore their faults for the sake of love.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
The speaker knowingly accepts his lover's lies, highlighting the complex interplay of truth and falsehood in romantic relationships.
Time and Mortality
The speaker's awareness of his own aging ('my years be past the best') underscores the theme of time's passage and its impact on love.
Characters to notice
- William Shakespeare
The speaker who reflects on the lies and truths in his romantic relationship.
- Love
Personified as a force that accommodates deception and soothes age-related insecurities.
Key passages
“When my love swears that she is made of truth, I do believe her, though I know she lies”
When my beloved claims she is entirely faithful, I pretend to believe her even though I know she is deceiving me.
The speaker consciously chooses to accept the lie to maintain the relationship.
“O, love's best habit is a soothing tongue, And age, in love, loves not to have years told.”
The most effective behavior in love is to speak comfortingly, and older lovers dislike being reminded of their age.
The speaker rationalizes deception as a necessary comfort in love, especially for those who are no longer young.