A Close reading of the poem “Sonnet 18”, by William Shakespe

“Sonnet 18”, written by William Shakespeare during the Renaissance Period is very much a reflection of the poet’s own feelings of immortalising beauty which is captured magically amongst the quatrains. This is depicted utilising a number of poetic devices throughout the sonnet and reflects the period within which it was written. Tensions within the poem are effectively displayed in a simplistic, yet tight form, which is representative of the features of a sonnet. By naming …

…the subject of the poem. The beauty of the subject is compared with the beauty of summer, and the author’s wish to immortalise this beauty within the lines of the poem. This is successful by the poetic devices incorporated subtly within the poem, utilising appropriate and uncomplicated punctuation and a positive tone. Not only does William Shakespeare manage to capture and immortalise the beauty of his subject, but also the words of his poetry.