Poetry · Chapter
Sonnet LVIII explained
The poet submits to the beloved's absolute freedom, accepting his own role as a patient, suffering vassal who must endure absence without complaint.
What happens
The poet submits to the beloved's absolute freedom, accepting his own role as a patient, suffering vassal who must endure absence without complaint.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Desire
The poet's love is expressed through total submission and self-sacrifice.
Truth and Deception
The poet refrains from accusing the beloved, even when suffering, highlighting a tension between inner truth and outward patience.
Characters to notice
- William Shakespeare
The speaker who declares himself a vassal bound to the beloved's pleasure.
- Youth
The beloved friend who holds absolute liberty over his own time and actions.
Key passages
“That god forbid that made me first your slave, I should in thought control your times of pleasure”
May the god who first made me your servant never allow me to try to control when you enjoy yourself.
The poet renounces any claim to regulate the beloved's freedom.
“Be where you list, your charter is so strong That you yourself may privilage your time To what you will”
Go wherever you please, your freedom is so absolute that you may grant yourself permission to spend your time as you wish.
The beloved's liberty is portrayed as an unassailable right.
“I am to wait, though waiting so be hell; Not blame your pleasure, be it ill or well.”
I must wait, even if waiting is torture, and never criticize your enjoyment, whether it is good or bad.
The poet accepts his suffering without complaint.