Unpacking Simile In Sonnet 60 By Shakespeare

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The sonnets of William Shakespeare are a treasure trove of poetic devices, and Sonnet 60 is no exception. In this beautiful sonnet, Shakespeare employs a range of literary techniques to explore the themes of time, beauty, and mortality. One of the most striking features of Sonnet 60 is its use of simile, a poetic device that allows Shakespeare to create vivid and memorable comparisons between seemingly disparate things.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of Sonnet 60 and explore the ways in which Shakespeare uses simile to convey his ideas and emotions. We'll examine the specific similes used in the sonnet, and discuss how they contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the poem.

What is a Simile?

Before we dive into Sonnet 60, let's take a moment to define what a simile is. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using the words "like" or "as." It's a way of describing an object, concept, or idea by likening it to something else that is more familiar or easily understood. Similes are often used to create vivid and evocative language, and to help readers visualize and connect with the ideas being presented.

Similes in Sonnet 60

Sonnet 60 is a rich tapestry of similes, each one carefully crafted to convey a specific idea or emotion. Let's take a look at some of the most notable similes in the sonnet:

• "Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore" (line 1)
• "So do our minutes hasten to their end" (line 2)
• "Like to the even of an action, when the scene is ended" (line 11)
• "And like the morning sun, that, having set, doth leave the world to darkness" (line 14)

These similes are all used to explore the theme of time and its passage. Shakespeare compares the minutes of our lives to waves making their way to the shore, emphasizing the relentless and unstoppable nature of time. He also likens the end of our lives to the end of a play, when the scene is finished and the curtain falls. And in the final simile, he compares the sun setting on our lives to the morning sun, leaving the world in darkness.

The Power of Simile in Sonnet 60

The similes in Sonnet 60 are more than just decorative flourishes – they play a crucial role in conveying the poem's themes and emotions. By using similes, Shakespeare is able to create vivid and memorable comparisons that help readers visualize and connect with the ideas being presented.

The similes in Sonnet 60 also serve to underscore the poem's central theme: the passage of time. By comparing the minutes of our lives to waves making their way to the shore, Shakespeare emphasizes the relentless and unstoppable nature of time. And by likening the end of our lives to the end of a play, he highlights the fleeting nature of human existence.

Gallery of Similes in Sonnet 60

Conclusion

In conclusion, the similes in Sonnet 60 are a powerful tool for exploring the themes of time and mortality. By using vivid and memorable comparisons, Shakespeare creates a rich and evocative language that draws readers into the world of the poem. Whether he's comparing the minutes of our lives to waves making their way to the shore, or likening the end of our lives to the end of a play, Shakespeare's similes help to underscore the fleeting nature of human existence.