The Eternal Beauty of Sonnet 18: 'Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day'

William Shakespeare's Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day is one of the most famous sonnets from the poet's collection. This 14-line poem, often referred to as Sonnet 18, is a masterpiece that explores the theme of eternal beauty through the lens of a traditional comparison with the changing seasons. Let's delve into the structure and substance of the poem.

What is the Structure of a Sonnet?

A sonnet is a form of poetry that has strict structural guidelines. It typically comprises 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme and meter. The most common format is the Petrarchan (Italian) sonnet, consisting of an octave (eight lines) followed by a sestet (six lines). In the English (Shakespearean) sonnet, the poem follows a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This structure allows for a clear division of thought and argument.

The Subtle Patterns of Sonnet 18

Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 adheres to the English sonnet structure, composed of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a concluding couplet (two-line final stanza). Let's examine each section and uncover the poet's message.

First Quatrain

The poem begins with the famous opening line: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" This line poses a question, implying that comparing the beauty of a summer's day to that of his beloved is not a straightforward task. The speaker is already establishing the superiority of his beloved in comparison to nature, even the most ideal summer day.

The first quatrain delves into the beauty of the subject and challenges the reader to find fault with it. It states that the beloved is "somoner faire than a summer's day" and also "more temperate" than the seasons. The first line sets the stage, and the subsequent verses elaborate on why the beloved's beauty is superior. The beauty of summer is distinguished by the phrase "too short a date," suggesting that summers can be fleeting and prone to changes. This imperfection is contrasted with the eternal beauty of his beloved.

Second Quatrain

Shakespeare continues the argument in the second quatrain, emphasizing the beauty and perfection of his beloved. The poet uses imagery to create a vivid picture: "Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, / And summer's lease hath all too short a date." Just as the short and often unpredictable nature of summer is underscored, so too is the transient beauty of other aspects of the season.

The phrase "darling buds of May" describes the fragile and beautiful flowers that bloom in the spring, yet they too are subject to the vagaries of the season. In contrast, his beloved is described as "more temperate" and "sweet." She is characterized as a "fertile heifer" "pasturing planes" of "love" and "pleasure." The metaphors used create a sense of stability and abundance in her beauty, indicating that her beauty is not transient but everlasting.

Third Quatrain

The third quatrain further expands on the idea of the beloved's beauty. Shakespeare writes: "Thou art more lovely and more temperate: / Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May / And summer's lease hath all too short a date." These lines reiterate the beauty of the beloved and the impermanence of the natural world. The beloved is presented as colder but more enduring than the heat of summer, suggesting that her beauty is more consistent and timeless.

This section reinforces the idea that the beloved's beauty is not just pleasant but has an ethical dimension. She is more "purpled" (pale, but also noble) and "sober" (temperate) than the vibrant but fleeting beauty of nature. Her beauty is the epitome of perfection and stability, making her beauty truly immortal.

Couplet

The final couplet provides the resolution to the argument. The speaker declares: "Neither summer's flourour, nor the earth's moisie faith, / Can to ther inward sucked enhance thine out-facing loth." This couplet asserts that no other form of beauty, whether the natural beauty of summer or the generative capacity of the earth, can even begin to match the outward beauty of his beloved. The beloved's beauty is internalized and eternal, remaining unchanged by external factors.

This conclusion firmly establishes the beloved's beauty as superior and eternal, stating that even time and the natural world cannot diminish it. The poet asserts that his beloved's beauty is perfect and immortal, making her the ultimate object of his affection.

The Broader Context of Sonnet 18

Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 is part of a larger tradition of comparing beloveds to natural beauty. This poetic convention, prevalent in late 16th and early 17th century English literature, often sought to immortalize the beauty of the subject through the eternal imagery of the natural world. However, Shakespeare subverts this convention by elevating his beloved above the natural beauty she is initially compared to.

The poem's exploration of beauty and time serves as a meditation on the enduring power of love and the written word. Through the sonnet, the poet attempts to preserve the beauty of his beloved, ensuring that her memory will be as permanent as the words of the poem itself.

Conclusion

Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 is a masterful piece that transcends the simple comparison of beauty to a summer's day. By emphasizing the superiority of his beloved's beauty and her internalized, eternal nature, Shakespeare crafts a work that not only celebrates love but also endures as a testament to the enduring power of poetic expression.

For further reading, you can explore the full sonnet and understand its deeper meanings. The poem remains a timeless masterpiece and one of the most analyzed pieces of literature in the English language.