Shakespeare's "SONNET NO. 73" (That time of year thou mayst in me behold) : Analysis of Rhetoric

SONNET  NO. 73

by William Shakespeare

That time of year thou mayst in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruin'd choirs, where late the sweet birds sang. 

 In me thou see'st the twilight of such day
As after sunset fadeth in the west;
Which by and by black night doth take away,
Death's second self, that seals up all in rest.  

 In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire,
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,
As the death-bed, whereon it must expire,
Consum'd with that which it was nourish'd by. 

 This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong,
  To love that well, which thou must leave ere long.

That time of year thou mayst in me behold

When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruin'd choirs, where late the sweet birds sang. 

Rhetoric: 

1.It is a case of Hyperbaton because the normal order of words has been changed.

2. Metaphor: The speaker compares himself to a particular season, implying that he is in the later stages of his life, like the autumn of the year. The word "behold" suggests that the speaker is inviting the reader to observe or perceive his condition.

3. ("When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang")

 Anaphora: The repetition of the phrase "or none, or few" emphasizes the diminishing number of leaves on the trees. This imagery symbolizes the aging process and the approaching end of life.

4. Line 3:"Upon those boughs which shake against the cold"

Personification: The boughs, or branches, of the trees are given human qualities by suggesting that they "shake against the cold." This personification enhances the sense of vulnerability and the transitory nature of life.

 4. Line 4:

"Bare ruin'd choirs, where late the sweet birds sang"

This is also a metaphor in another sense because the ‘sweet birds’ not only refer to the literal birds but also to the ,choir singers in the church.

Explanation: The "bare ruin'd choirs" metaphorically represents the skeletal remnants of what were once lively and melodious places. The absence of birdsong further emphasizes the passage of time and the loss of vitality.

In me thou see'st the twilight of such day

As after sunset fadeth in the west;

Which by and by black night doth take away,

Death's second self, that seals up all in rest.  

Line 5:

"In me thou see'st the twilight of such day"

Rhetoric: Metaphor

Explanation: The speaker compares himself to the twilight, the period between daylight and darkness. This metaphor suggests that he is in the later stages of life, where the light of youth is fading.

 It may also be a case of simile because the comparison between the poet and the condition after the fading of the sun is stated explicitly by the use of the word ‘as’.

Line 6:

"As after sunset fadeth in the west"

Rhetoric: Simile

Explanation: The simile compares the fading of light after sunset to the waning vitality of the speaker. It reinforces the idea of the speaker's imminent decline and eventual passing.

Line 7:

"Which by and by black night doth take away"

Rhetoric: Metaphor

Explanation: The metaphor of "black night" represents death, which takes away the remaining light and signifies the end of life. This line underscores the theme of mortality.

Line 8:

"Death's second self, that seals up all in rest"

Rhetoric: Metaphor

Explanation: Death is personified as "Death's second self," suggesting that death is a natural and inevitable part of life. The phrase "seals up all in rest" implies that death brings eternal peace and rest.

 In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire,

That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,

As the death-bed, whereon it must expire,

Consum'd with that which it was nourish'd by. 

Line 9:

"In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire"

Rhetoric: Metaphor

Explanation: The speaker compares himself to a dying fire, symbolizing the fading passion and energy of youth. The fire imagery emphasizes the transient nature of life and the imminent end.

Line 10:

"That on the ashes of his youth doth lie"

Rhetoric: Personification

Explanation: The phrase "ashes of his youth" personifies the speaker's past, suggesting that his youthful energy and vigor have now diminished to mere remnants or ashes.

Line 11:

"As the death-bed, whereon it must expire"

Rhetoric: Simile

Explanation: The speaker compares himself to a deathbed, implying that his remaining vitality will soon be extinguished. This simile heightens the awareness of mortality and impending death.

Line 12:

"Consum'd with that which it was nourish'd by"

Rhetoric: Metaphor

Explanation: The speaker metaphorically states that the fire of his youth is being consumed and diminished by the very things that once nourished and sustained it. This line suggests that the speaker's past experiences, desires, and ambitions have contributed to his eventual decline.

 This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong,

  To love that well, which thou must leave ere long.

Line 13:

"This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong"

Rhetoric: Rhetorical question

Explanation: Although not explicitly stated as a question, this line functions as a rhetorical question, prompting the reader to consider whether they perceive the speaker's aging and mortality. It implies that the recognition of the speaker's transience strengthens the reader's love and appreciation for them.

Line 14:

"To love that well, which thou must leave ere long"

Rhetoric: Paradox

Explanation: The speaker presents a paradox by asserting that the reader should love the speaker deeply, even though they will inevitably have to leave them soon. This paradox highlights the bittersweet nature of love in the face of mortality and the impermanence of human relationships.

 Ardhendu De