Analysis of Shakespeare’s sonnet 122

This sonnet is linked to sonnet 77 in many ways. Let us remember that in sonnet 77 the poet gave a notebook to the young man in question. The poet wanted the young man to record his youth so that when he is older he can look back and remember the days of his youthful beauties. The notebook was to forge a bond between individuals; it was to serve as a social function of writing from one person to another, and probably as a means of communication. However, it did not turn out as the young man envisioned it.

When the young man returned the favor with his gift of a book, the poet responded as follows, as indicated in lines one and two of the sonnet: “Your gift, your tables, are inside my brain / Character complete with memory durable “. In addition, the poet declared in line number four the following words: “Beyond all dates, even to eternity.” In essence, the poet discarded the young man’s gift. The rejection of the notebook would certainly leave one to wonder about the link between the two individuals, whether it is unilateral or bilateral, or is it a higher and lower relationship with a class distinction.

Obviously, this is not a clear sign of any positive gesture or means of appreciation. Returning the gift offered by a person certainly shows a lack of value or a lack of appreciation. Some will argue that real value is what was conveyed in the minds of individuals rather than something tangible in the form of property, such as a book. In essence, the poet has classified the book and the writing as replicas in his medium of communication. As such, the class dynamics in this situation must largely be considered with respect to their sincerity.

The theme of the poem showed the point the poet was trying to make regarding his mind. The last two lines say: “To keep an attachment to remind you / If oblivion would matter to me.” Here the poet has apparently said that his mind will be clear and fresh regarding the young man; one imagines. In essence, however, the poet has also said, “I don’t need to refresh my memory of you; I want you to remember me.” Apparently, the poet may not need his embedded memory to be passed on to other generations on his side. I’d rather it be done from the young man’s point of view.