Shakespeare's Sonnet Number 126: Critique

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an attempt to clarify for himself why he is in such a state he “
troubles” heaven with his “bootless” or useless cries. But as the poet has made
clear heaven turns a deaf ear and no response is forthcoming. Again he becomes
introspective and curses his fate. This first quatrain has given us an image of
a grown man “down and out” if you will, who is accepting no responsibility for
his life's station.

By the second quatrain the poet has taken to wishing he were more hopeful.
He wants to be more popular with his peers and he desires the literary skill, “
art”, and intellectual prowess, “scope”, of other men. It is almost humorous to
think that Shakespeare, at one time, wished to be a better writer. Even that
which most delights the poet no longer stays the pain he is feeling.

All is not lost, however. The third quatrain offers our poet hope. He is
almost to the point of despising himself when suddenly salvation finds him. By
some chance he thinks of his love (be ...

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