Analyzing the literary features of the Sonnet 146, this piece by Shakespeare follows the form and meter of the Elizabethan sonnet. Like in Shakespeare’s various poems, the speaker remains to be unknown. Also, for this poem, the setting is not necessarily mentioned given that the persona only advances interaction with him / her. Altogether, these features remain to be essential in helping Shakespeare provide emphasis to the important points of his literary piece. It points out the connection of man to religion and how repentance can serve to augment the suffering of the soul. Arguably, by carefully looking into themes related to appearances, religion and death it can help provide an important message to readers and emphasize the significance of man’s physical and spiritual relationship.
One of the evident themes presented by Shakespeare in ‘Sonnet 146’ comes is the notion of appearances. From the poem’s perspective, the persona is clearly in a problematic state because of the decision to place more emphasis on outward appearances. Instead of focusing on the nourishment of the soul, the persona arguably focuses on material things (Sharma, Parul and Kailash 72). However, one cannot take these possessions when they die. It is through this realization that the speaker in the poem feels remorse about the mistakes committed in the past.
Another important theme presented in the poem corresponds to the interaction of the persona to religion. Looking closely, Shakespeare offers readers the relationship of man with religion. It also emphasizes the struggle of the persona in the poem to resist temptations and sin to live a moral life. University of Toronto emphasizes further this analysis by pointing out that “this intrinsic and inevitable battle that occurs between the soul and the body, as well as the soul and God, is represented by the “rebel powers”(line 2), which force the soul to question its meaning and mortality, and hence engage in such a civil battle” (1). This part remains to be a powerful force influencing the perspective of the speaker in the poem.
The last and arguably the most apparent theme expressed by Shakespeare in this poem is the reality of death. By reading the lines, readers can see the persona’s struggle to accept death and the nature of man’s relationship with his/her soul and these remains to be described within different lines of the sonnet. Also important to highlight is the development of a religious connection where the recognition of the soul and its atonement remains to be an important course of action prior to facing death (West 113). Considering that life is really short, it is therefore important to make the necessary amends and change the outlook that remains to be shaped by inclination to material things. By seeking to pursue spiritual reparations and change it can help advance salvation.
Overall, ‘Sonnet 146’ by William Shakespeare is one of the poems that offer a serious notion about man’s relationship with the spiritual. Taking into consideration the struggle for material things and the inevitability of death, the poem is then able to emphasize the importance of nourishing the spirit. Equally, through Shakespeare’s use of the standards of the Elizabethan sonnet, he is able to provide an artistic take to the relationship that exists between man and religion as well as the body and soul.
Works Cited
Sharma, Monika, Parul Jain and Dr. Kailash. ‘Shakespeare’s Sonnets – A Critical Analysis’ IJRESS, 2.9 (2012): 65-72. Accessed 13 July 2014.
University of Toronto. Sonnet 146 Analysis. 2008 Web. Accessed 13 July 2014.
West, Michael. ‘The Internal Dialogue of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 146’ Shakespeare Quarterly, 25.1 (1974): 109-122. Accessed 13 July 2014.