Question

Could you help me on Shakespeare sonnets?

Each of these poems address the idea of change. One discusses change in terms of loyalty, whereas the other discusses change as a paradox. Despite the similar subject, how do the poems conclude differently?

Answer 1

SONNET 123

No! Time, thou shalt not boast that I do change:
Thy pyramids built up with newer might
To me are nothing novel, nothing strange;
They are but dressings of a former sight.
Our dates are brief, and therefore we admire
What thou dost foist upon us that is old;
And rather make them born to our desire,
Than think that we before have heard them told.
Thy registers and thee I both defy,
Not wondering at the present nor the past,
For thy records and what we see doth lie,
Made more or less by thy continual haste.
This I do vow and this shall ever be;
I will be true, despite thy scythe and thee.

Answer 2

If there be nothing new, but that which is
Hath been before, how are our brains beguiled,
Which, lab'ring for invention, bear amiss
The second burthen of a former child!
O, that record could with a backward look,
Even of five hundred courses of the sun,
Show me your image in some antique book,
Since mind at first in character was done!
That I might see what the old world could say
To this composed wonder of your frame;
Whether we are mended, or where better they,
Or whether revolution be the same.
O! sure I am, the wits of former days
To subjects worse have given admiring praise.

Answer 3

I'll help. :)

Answer 4

The best I can, at least. :P

Answer 5

Okay! Thank you!

Answer 6

What I think: The first one dislikes change. The seconds thinks that change needs to happen in order for life to go on.
They differ in terms of accepting of change and believing that change is something that should never happen, despite that it does. The first sonnet cannot accept change happening, and chooses not to acknowledge it. He disregards it entirely. The second sonnet likes to look back on times passed, even if they are bad times, because remembering bad times isn't bad when you still have good times to remember as well.

Answer 7

What do you think? Good or not good? You can change the words according to your opinion of things, if you like.

Answer 8

It looks good! Thanks for your help! It really made things clearer!!!

Answer 9

Thanks, no problem.