A Guide to the heart.

n my project on Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare, I delve into the poet’s vision of true love. I explore the sonnet’s structure, metaphors, and themes to show how Shakespeare presents love as a timeless, unwavering force. Drawing on sources like The Poetry Foundation and Oxford University Press, I highlight Shakespeare’s belief that true love, described as “the marriage of true minds,” remains constant despite external challenges. Metaphors such as “the ever-fixed mark” and “the star to every wandering bark” illustrate this ideal of steadfast love, underscoring Shakespeare’s view of love as an unchanging bond.

 

Additionally, I place Sonnet 116 within its Elizabethan context, where marriage was often seen as a social or economic arrangement rather than a romantic union. By contrasting this societal norm with Shakespeare’s idealized view of love, I show how he challenges conventional views, aligning instead with Platonic and Christian ideals that consider love to be spiritual, selfless, and eternal. Ultimately, my research presents Sonnet 116 as a celebration of love’s enduring nature, encouraging readers to reflect on the essence of true love and its timeless relevance.