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Winndara Posted 15 years ago

Iambic pentameter

Hi,

I would really be grateful, if somebody could tell me something about this poem using 'Iambic pentameter,' lets just say poetry is not my field.

Really thank you in advance!

William Shakespeare

Sonnet XV

When I consider every thing that grows,

Holds in perfection but a little moment,

That is huge stage presenteth nought but show

Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;

When I perceive that men as plants increase,

Cheered and checked even by the self-same sky,

Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,

And wear their brave state out of memory;

Then the conceit of this inconstant stay

Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,

Where wasteful Time debateth with decay

To change your day of youth to sullied night,

And all in war with Time for love of you,

As he takes from you, I engraft you new.
  

Top answer

Dear Winndara This is not an easy poem. Here are some ideas.. (1) Shakespeare is speaking of a young man that he admires and finds beautiful (2) He compares him to a plant which will grow and then, obviously, will die (3) Shakespeare uses phrases to say: this is something we need to think about - is it necessary that things we find beautiful must die?

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2 Answers
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Dear Winndara

This is not an easy poem. Here are some ideas..


(1) Shakespeare is speaking of a young man that he admires and finds beautiful


(2) He compares him to a plant which will grow and then, obviously, will die


(3) Shakespeare uses phrases to say: this is something we need to think about - is it necessary that things we find beautiful
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hi!

thank you very much!