Explication Shakespeare\'s Sonnet 138 When Love Swears Made Truth

Shakespeare is often revered as one of the world's greatest authors. His works, which have now become legend, are the subject of intense study and review. In many instances, many of today's popular motion pictures, dramas, and movies have used elements of Shakespeare's work. Shakespeare produced most of his known work between 1589 and 1613. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories, genres he raised to the peak of sophistication and artistry by the end of the 16th century. He then wrote mainly tragedies until about 1608, including Hamlet, King Lear, Othello, and Macbeth, considered some of the finest works in the English language. Many of these tragedies have been adapted for modern viewing. Hamlet, Othello, and Macbeth, for instance, have seen multiple motion picture releases and have captivated generations. In addition, many of Shakespeare's tragedies have become common works on Broadway, further justifying their importance in English literature. Shakespeare was very innovative for his time, particularly in regards to his writing style. In particular, he expanded the dramatic potential of concepts such characterization, plot, and the overall use of language. Until the publishing of his masterpiece Romeo and Juliet, romance had not been viewed as a worthy topic for tragedy. However, Romeo and Juliet, is famous for the manner in which it elicits an emotional response for its readers that is mostly found in tragedies. Shakespeare even altered the use of soliloquies to explore characters' minds and though processes rather than events. All of which were both innovative and unique for their time. Sonnet 138 is no different in this regard.

Sonnet 138 is arguably one of Shakespeare's most favorable and admired sonnets. The sonnet first makes extensive use of puns within the writing. This sonnet is popularity is primarily a function of its subject material. For one, the sonnet focuses on age and the overall concept of beauty. Shakespeare calls into question, does beauty deteriorate with age? Does age affect the sexual or romantic relationship between two individuals? This sonnet, in a masterful manner, discusses these notions.

In Sonnet 138 Shakespeare, in a straight forward fashion reveals both the nature of his relationship with the "dark lady" and the insecurities he has about growing older. Aspects such as romantic and sexual relationship repeated appear in the sonnet. The poet's fling with his mistress is uncomplicated and practical. The relationship serves as a validation of his "manliness" and "youthfulness" as it relates to romantic endeavors. It also fulfills his most basic need for both sexual pleasure and continual reassurance. He wants to feel worthy and young without having a viable relationship with the "dark lady." In fact, the narrator is often indifferent to the lady, ignoring her own lies and indifferent behaviors. What is also interesting about the sonnet is that the relationship between with the "dark lady" is purely sexual. However, the attraction does not come from physical attraction, but rather the ability to do as he pleases. This is a common concept in modern day norms as relationships are often corrupted due to sexual means. The line, "therefore I lie with her, and she with me, / and in our faults by lies we flattered be," indicates that the man in play continues to have sexually charged relationships with the dark woman even though he sees faults within her. This is appealing to the general population for numerous reasons. Many individuals have experienced or been exposed to adultery. In many instances, they have participated in the activity realizing the faults of doing so. As such sonnet 138 reveals the natural desire to adultery and its temptation.

The perspective of Sonnet 138 is interesting because the narrator analyzes his actions from a detached point-of-view. On many occasions the narrator contradicts many of his own personal beliefs when pursuing the dark lady.

A very critical and telling line in the sonnet is, "When my love swears that she is made of truth / I do believe her though I know she lies." This displays the notion presented above, that even though the narrator's mistress pledges her love to him, he is aware that she is being dishonest in regards to her overall activities. In addition, the line, upon further scrutiny reveals more about the narrator then what first appears. For example, the line, "I do believe her though I know she lies," may indicate that while he understands his lover is making an honest attempt to be faithful and good, however, she can't help but be dishonest in her dealings. Even more captivating is the narrator's age, which may indicate a greater emotional sensitivity to his mistress' behavior. For example, he may be more experienced with the situation that they are both in. As such, he is better able to decipher her true and intent and feelings with a clearer understanding. Through his age, he is in a better position to understand the confusing manner in which the dark lady is acting and can therefore become indifferent towards her behavior (Booth, 1977).