How Do Shakespeare's Sonnets Feed Off The World Around Him?

How do Shakespeare's sonnets feed off the world around him?

Just as the earth laughs in flowers, it can be suggested that Shakespeare laughed in sonnets. For the historical themes and references, the raw emotion and prominent autobiographical trials and tribulations are absorbed in every word of the published 154 sonnets. Whether they are directed at the 'young man' or 'dark lady' it can be agreed that as an audience we are subjected to a personal memoir reflective of a hierarchical society saturated in immodesty but eager to uphold the exoteric facade of stunning Christian morality. Sonnets 107 and 111 are examples that support the ideology that the poet was influenced by surrounding historical and sociological factors and perceptions.

A well-rounded lexicon with spats of alliteration; feature greatly in sonnet 107. It can be agreed that the alliteration is deliberately personifying the 'mortal moon' and other themes of love and peace. Yet as an audience we are subjected to lexis that are neither profound in variety or understanding, these are not esoteric words nor do they boast greatness in phonetic ability. They are simple to exhort but are strong in sentiment. Sonnet 111 is analogised with the prior linguistic choice. It can be seen that this offers a varied but somewhat subdued vocabulary with repetition to emphasise that 'public means' breed 'public manners' and thus low social status. This refers to Shakespeare's chosen career and the realisation that his 'name receives a brand.'

The bricolage of imagery in sonnets 107 and 111 is vast, with a phlegmatic stolid approach to perfecting the lugubrious and often exaggerated affirmations of a 'prophetic soul.' It is here that we are reminded of the poet's 'confined doom,' his ineluctable fate, which will inevitably result in death. Yet on a more upbeat and emboldened note lines 1 - 4 relish in the thought that the poet's writings will prevail over death. This thought arguably encourages the audience to believe that Shakespeare's love for the young man will not end, as his feelings are preserved in stanzas. Line 5 sees the possible reference to Queen Elizabeth's death, for 'the mortal moon hath he eclipse endured,' is quite possibly a less than mordant reference to a Monarch that survived the Spanish Armada, assassination attempts, her grand climacteric, major illness and rebellion by the Earl of Essex. Line 8 sees an interesting metaphor referring to the 'olives of endless age.' It is widely accepted that olive trees are a symbol of peace, prosperity and power. Another image, which arguably presents time as 'balmy' is that of the 'speechless tribes.' The poet states that mortality can defeat only those with no poetry thus the 'dull and speechless tribes.'

The lasting image of 'crests and tombs of brass,' is positive in sentiment for it ensures that verse is immortal and will stand the test of time, whilst elaborate memorials will decay. Sonnet 111 is more provocative with imagery allowing us tempting visual delights of 'guilty goddesses,' the kind we now little about but assume to be a portrayal of the 'dark lady.' Another startling reference is the 'dyers