William Shakespeare – Sonnet 29

William Shakespeare – Sonnet 29

  • Submitted By: king89
  • Date Submitted: 02/14/2009 8:56 AM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 253
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William Shakespeare – Sonnet 29

In sonnet 29 "When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes" written by William Shakespeare a man who is full of self-pity and jealousy is presented.
The first eight lines, which begin with "When," show the speaker’s feelings marked by frustration and despair, because he feels that he is not as good or as fortunate as others and it depresses him. Shakespeare is saying that this person, who is very depressed, is crying out for help to others, but he is such an outcast that not even "deaf heaven," meaning God and the angels of heaven are listening to his “bootless” cries. When he looks upon himself, he “curse[s] [his] fate”. In the second quatrain the narrator unleashes his envious feelings towards other men. He expresses his desire to possess their riches, looks, friends, skills and opportunities. The jealousy consumes him so wholly that he finds himself totally dissatisfied with the things that usually bring him the most joy. This is shown when the speaker says “With what I most enjoy contented least”. The third quatrain then says that he despises this type of feeling in himself especially when he remembers how lucky he is to have his love.  The couplet at the end then says that when he does remember his love, he realizes he wouldn't trade places with kings.  He goes from one feeling great sadness and depression to one realizing how lucky and happy he is and he is scornful of himself for feeling such self-pity.

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