Sonnet 116 is different from most of the other sonnets I have written a reflection for so far. It is the most pleasant, and it has a rather optimistic and “lovey dovey” tone. Shakespeare is essentially trying to convey to the young man that love is eternal. He says that love is an ever-fixed mark, which at the time meant a lighthouse. Lighthouses symbolize light and hope, and are forever unmoving. He also compares love to the North Star, and many people look to the North Star for guidance. Once again, “Time” is capitalized, suggesting that Time is personified. “Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks within his bending sickle’s compass come;” insinuates that love is in fact still mortal, but is not controlled by time. Here, Time is compared to the Grim Reaper and his sickle. Also, there are a few references to legal terms, such as writ in the last line of the sonnet.
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