Sonnet 77: Thy Glass Will Show Thee How Thy Beauties Wear
Thy glass will show thee how thy beauties wear,
Thy dial how thy precious minutes waste;
The vacant leaves thy mind’s imprint will bear,
And of this book, this learning mayst thou taste.
The wrinkles which thy glass will truly show
Of mouthed graves will give thee memory;
Thou by thy dial’s shady stealth mayst know
Time’s thievish progress to eternity.
Look what thy memory cannot contain,
Commit to these waste blanks, and thou shalt find
Those children nursed, deliver’d from thy brain,
To take a new acquaintance of thy mind.
These offices, so oft as thou wilt look,
Shall profit thee and much enrich thy book.
Line 1:
“Thy glass will show thee how thy beauties wear,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Thy glass: Your mirror.
- Wear: Fade or deteriorate over time.
Explanation:
The speaker begins by addressing the beloved, telling them that a mirror will reveal how their beauty is fading with time. This line introduces the theme of aging and the passage of time, which is central to the sonnet.
Context:
Shakespeare often used mirrors as symbols of self-reflection and the inevitability of aging. Here, the mirror serves as a reminder of the transient nature of physical beauty.
Line 2:
“Thy dial how thy precious minutes waste;”
Difficult words meaning:
- Thy dial: Your clock or sundial.
- Precious minutes: Valuable time.
- Waste: Pass away or be lost.
Explanation:
The speaker continues by saying that a clock or sundial will show how time is slipping away. This reinforces the idea that time is precious and finite, and it is constantly moving forward.
Context:
This line emphasizes the inevitability of time’s passage and the importance of making the most of it. The speaker is urging the beloved to reflect on the fleeting nature of life.
Line 3:
“The vacant leaves thy mind’s imprint will bear,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Vacant leaves: Blank pages (of a book or journal).
- Imprint: Mark or impression.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that the beloved should use blank pages to record their thoughts and memories. These pages will bear the “imprint” of their mind, preserving their ideas for the future.
Context:
This line introduces the idea of writing as a way to combat the passage of time. By recording their thoughts, the beloved can create a lasting legacy.
Line 4:
“And of this book, this learning mayst thou taste.”
Difficult words meaning:
- Learning: Knowledge or wisdom.
- Taste: Experience or partake in.
Explanation:
The speaker tells the beloved that by writing in this book, they can gain wisdom and insight. Writing becomes a way to reflect on life and learn from one’s experiences.
Context:
This line highlights the value of self-reflection and the written word as tools for personal growth and understanding.
Line 5:
“The wrinkles which thy glass will truly show”
Difficult words meaning:
- Wrinkles: Signs of aging.
Explanation:
The speaker returns to the image of the mirror, noting that it will reveal the wrinkles that come with age. This serves as a stark reminder of the physical effects of time.
Context:
This line reinforces the theme of aging and the inevitability of physical decline. It also sets up the next line, which connects aging to mortality.
Line 6:
“Of mouthed graves will give thee memory;”
Difficult words meaning:
- Mouthed graves: Open graves, symbolizing death.
- Memory: A reminder or reflection.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that the wrinkles in the mirror will serve as a reminder of mortality. The image of “mouthed graves” is a powerful metaphor for the inevitability of death.
Context:
This line deepens the theme of time’s passage by connecting aging to death. It urges the beloved to reflect on their mortality and the finite nature of life.
Line 7:
“Thou by thy dial’s shady stealth mayst know”
Difficult words meaning:
- Dial’s shady stealth: The gradual movement of the shadow on a sundial, symbolizing the passage of time.
Explanation:
The speaker tells the beloved that the movement of the shadow on a sundial will reveal how time is slipping away. This is another reminder of the relentless march of time.
Context:
This line uses the sundial as a metaphor for the subtle but inevitable passage of time. It reinforces the idea that time is always moving forward, even if we don’t always notice it.
Line 8:
“Time’s thievish progress to eternity.”
Difficult words meaning:
- Thievish progress: The stealthy and relentless advance of time.
- Eternity: The infinite, often associated with death or the afterlife.
Explanation:
The speaker describes time as a thief, silently stealing moments and leading us toward eternity. This personification of time emphasizes its power and inevitability.
Context:
This line underscores the theme of time’s unstoppable nature and its connection to mortality. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life.
Line 9:
“Look what thy memory cannot contain,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Contain: Hold or retain.
Explanation:
The speaker advises the beloved to write down anything that their memory cannot hold. This suggests that writing is a way to preserve thoughts and experiences that might otherwise be forgotten.
Context:
This line highlights the limitations of memory and the importance of writing as a tool for preservation. It encourages the beloved to take an active role in documenting their life.
Line 10:
“Commit to these waste blanks, and thou shalt find”
Difficult words meaning:
- Commit: Entrust or record.
- Waste blanks: Blank pages.
Explanation:
The speaker tells the beloved to write their thoughts on blank pages. By doing so, they will discover the value of their own ideas and experiences.
Context:
This line reinforces the idea that writing is a way to give meaning to one’s life and preserve it for the future.
Line 11:
“Those children nursed, deliver’d from thy brain,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Children nursed: Ideas or thoughts nurtured in the mind.
- Deliver’d: Brought forth or expressed.
Explanation:
The speaker compares the beloved’s thoughts to children, nurtured in the mind and then brought forth through writing. This metaphor emphasizes the creative and generative power of writing.
Context:
This line celebrates the act of writing as a form of creation. It suggests that writing allows the beloved to give life to their thoughts and ideas.
Line 12:
“To take a new acquaintance of thy mind.”
Difficult words meaning:
- New acquaintance: Fresh understanding or perspective.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that writing allows the beloved to gain a new understanding of their own mind. It is a way to reflect on and make sense of their thoughts and experiences.
Context:
This line highlights the introspective and transformative power of writing. It encourages the beloved to use writing as a tool for self-discovery.
Line 13:
“These offices, so oft as thou wilt look,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Offices: Functions or duties (in this case, the act of writing and reflecting).
- Oft as thou wilt look: As often as you choose to reflect.
Explanation:
The speaker tells the beloved that the act of writing and reflecting will be beneficial whenever they choose to engage in it.
Context:
This line emphasizes the ongoing value of writing and self-reflection. It suggests that these practices are always available and always rewarding.
Line 14:
“Shall profit thee and much enrich thy book.”
Difficult words meaning:
- Profit: Benefit or gain.
- Enrich: Enhance or add value to.
Explanation:
The speaker concludes by saying that writing and reflecting will benefit the beloved and add value to their book. This book becomes a symbol of their life and legacy.
Context:
This final line ties together the themes of the sonnet. Writing is presented as a way to combat the passage of time, preserve one’s thoughts, and create a lasting legacy.
Overall Summary:
In Sonnet 77, Shakespeare uses the imagery of mirrors, clocks, and blank pages to explore the themes of aging, time, and the power of writing. The speaker urges the beloved to reflect on the passage of time and to use writing as a way to preserve their thoughts and experiences. The sonnet celebrates the act of writing as a means of self-discovery, personal growth, and creating a lasting legacy. It is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have.
In-Depth Analysis of Sonnet 77
Summary
In Sonnet 77, Shakespeare contemplates the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The poet addresses the Fair Youth, encouraging him to reflect on his beauty and fleeting youth through three objects: a mirror (“glass”), a clock (“dial”), and a blank book (“vacant leaves”). The mirror will reveal his aging face, the clock will remind him of time slipping away, and the blank pages will serve as a place to capture thoughts and memories before they fade. Shakespeare suggests that writing preserves one’s mind and legacy, making it an antidote to the loss inflicted by time.
Critical Analysis
1. The Symbolism of the Mirror, Clock, and Book
Shakespeare employs three key objects to illustrate the passage of time and the role of memory:
- Mirror (“glass”) → Shows physical aging and serves as a reminder of mortality.
- Clock (“dial”) → Represents time’s continuous movement and the inevitability of decay.
- Blank book (“vacant leaves”) → Suggests that writing can immortalize thoughts and experiences.
These symbols collectively convey the message that time erodes beauty and memory, but writing offers a means of preserving identity.
2. Time as a Thief
- Shakespeare describes time as “thievish”, suggesting that it stealthily steals youth and life.
- “Thou by thy dial’s shady stealth mayst know / Time’s thievish progress to eternity”
- The movement of a sundial’s shadow is likened to a thief, emphasizing time’s silent but relentless nature.
3. The Power of Writing and Memory
- The poet urges the youth to “commit to these waste blanks”, meaning that he should record his thoughts before they disappear.
- He refers to written words as “children” of the mind, implying that writing creates a lasting legacy.
4. The Instructional Tone
- Unlike some of Shakespeare’s more passionate sonnets, Sonnet 77 takes on a didactic, advisory tone.
- The poet acts as a mentor, guiding the youth toward self-awareness and intellectual preservation.
Theme Analysis
1. The Inevitability of Aging and Death
- The mirror and clock emphasize the unstoppable passage of time, reinforcing the theme of mortality.
- The imagery of “wrinkles” and “mouthed graves” suggests that beauty fades and life ultimately ends.
2. The Value of Reflection and Writing
- Shakespeare suggests that while time erases beauty, self-awareness and writing allow one to leave a meaningful legacy.
- Writing, like poetry, defies time by preserving thoughts and identity beyond death.
3. The Transience of Memory
- The poet warns that memory alone is unreliable (“Look what thy memory cannot contain”).
- Instead, he urges the youth to write as a means of securing his thoughts for the future.
Literary Devices
1. Symbolism
- Mirror → Aging and self-reflection
- Clock → Time’s relentless movement
- Book → Preservation of thoughts and memory
2. Metaphor
- “Those children nursed, deliver’d from thy brain”
- Thoughts are likened to children, reinforcing the idea that writing allows the mind’s creations to live on.
3. Personification
- “Time’s thievish progress to eternity”
- Time is depicted as a thief, stealthily robbing people of youth and life.
4. Imperative Language
- The poem contains instructive phrases like “Look,” “Commit,” and “Shall profit thee”, reinforcing its advisory nature.
Conclusion
Sonnet 77 serves as a meditation on time, aging, and the power of writing. Shakespeare presents a contrast between the physical decay of beauty and the enduring nature of recorded thought. By encouraging the youth to reflect on his mortality and preserve his ideas in writing, the poet implies that while time may steal physical youth, intellectual and artistic contributions can transcend mortality.
