Sonnet 108: What’s In The Brain That Ink May Character
What’s in the brain, that ink may character,
Which hath not figured to thee my true spirit?
What’s new to speak, what now to register,
That may express my love, or thy dear merit?
Nothing, sweet boy; but yet, like prayers divine,
I must each day say o’er the very same;
Counting no old thing old, thou mine, I thine,
Even as when first I hallowed thy fair name.
So that eternal love in love’s fresh case,
Weighs not the dust and injury of age,
Nor gives to necessary wrinkles place,
But makes antiquity for aye his page;
Finding the first conceit of love there bred,
Where time and outward form would show it dead.
Line 1:
“What’s in the brain, that ink may character,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Character: Write or inscribe.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The sonnet opens with the poet questioning what thoughts or ideas in his mind have not already been expressed in writing to the beloved. This suggests that the poet has already written extensively about his love and the beloved’s merits, leaving little new to say.
The line sets the tone for the sonnet, which explores the idea that the poet’s love is so constant and unchanging that it requires no new expressions, but rather a repetition of the same sentiments.
Line 2:
“Which hath not figured to thee my true spirit?”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Figured: Represented or expressed.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet asks what aspect of his true spirit has not already been conveyed to the beloved through his writing. This suggests that the poet has been thorough and sincere in expressing his feelings, leaving no part of his love unspoken.
The line reflects the poet’s belief in the completeness and constancy of his love, which has been fully expressed in his poetry.
Line 3:
“What’s new to speak, what now to register,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Register: Record or write down.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet wonders what new things he can say or record that would adequately express his love or the beloved’s merits. This suggests that the poet has already exhausted all possible ways to describe his feelings, leaving him with nothing new to add.
The line reflects the poet’s frustration with the limitations of language and his desire to find new ways to express his unchanging love.
Line 4:
“That may express my love, or thy dear merit?”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Dear merit: Beloved’s worth or excellence.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet reiterates his desire to find new ways to express his love and the beloved’s virtues, but acknowledges that he has already done so extensively. This suggests that the poet’s love is so constant and unchanging that it requires no new expressions.
The line reflects the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong and unwavering despite the passage of time.
Line 5:
“Nothing, sweet boy; but yet, like prayers divine,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Sweet boy: A term of endearment for the beloved.
- Prayers divine: Sacred or holy prayers.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet concludes that there is nothing new to say, but he will continue to express his love, just as one repeats divine prayers. This suggests that the poet’s love is a sacred and unchanging devotion, worthy of constant repetition.
The line reflects the poet’s belief in the constancy and purity of his love, which requires no new expressions but rather a reaffirmation of the same sentiments.
Line 6:
“I must each day say o’er the very same;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Say o’er: Repeat or recite.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet declares that he must repeat the same expressions of love every day, suggesting that his devotion is constant and unchanging. This reflects the idea that true love does not require novelty, but rather a steadfast commitment.
The line reinforces the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong and unwavering despite the passage of time.
Line 7:
“Counting no old thing old, thou mine, I thine,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Counting: Considering or regarding.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet asserts that he does not consider his expressions of love to be old or outdated, as his devotion remains as strong as ever. This suggests that the poet’s love is timeless and unchanging, unaffected by the passage of time.
The line reflects the poet’s belief in the constancy and purity of his love, which remains strong and unwavering despite the passage of time.
Line 8:
“Even as when first I hallowed thy fair name.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Hallowed: Made holy or sacred.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet recalls the first time he celebrated the beloved’s name, suggesting that his devotion has remained unchanged since then. This reflects the idea that true love is timeless and unchanging, worthy of constant celebration.
The line reinforces the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong and unwavering despite the passage of time.
Line 9:
“So that eternal love in love’s fresh case,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Eternal love: Everlasting devotion.
- Fresh case: New or renewed form.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet describes his eternal love as being renewed and refreshed, suggesting that it remains as strong and vibrant as ever. This reflects the idea that true love is timeless and unchanging, unaffected by the passage of time.
The line reinforces the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong and unwavering despite the passage of time.
Line 10:
“Weighs not the dust and injury of age,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Weighs not: Does not consider or regard.
- Dust and injury of age: The effects of aging and decay.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet declares that his eternal love is not affected by the physical effects of aging, suggesting that it transcends the limitations of the body. This reflects the idea that true love is timeless and unchanging, unaffected by the passage of time.
The line reinforces the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong and unwavering despite the passage of time.
Line 11:
“Nor gives to necessary wrinkles place,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Necessary wrinkles: The inevitable signs of aging.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet asserts that his eternal love does not acknowledge the physical signs of aging, suggesting that it is not bound by the limitations of the body. This reflects the idea that true love is timeless and unchanging, unaffected by the passage of time.
The line reinforces the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong and unwavering despite the passage of time.
Line 12:
“But makes antiquity for aye his page;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Antiquity: The past or old age.
- Aye: Forever.
- Page: Servant or attendant.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet declares that his eternal love makes the past and old age its servant, suggesting that it transcends the limitations of time. This reflects the idea that true love is timeless and unchanging, unaffected by the passage of time.
The line reinforces the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong and unwavering despite the passage of time.
Line 13:
“Finding the first conceit of love there bred,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Conceit: Idea or conception.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet describes his eternal love as finding its original conception in the past, suggesting that it remains as strong and vibrant as ever. This reflects the idea that true love is timeless and unchanging, unaffected by the passage of time.
The line reinforces the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong and unwavering despite the passage of time.
Line 14:
“Where time and outward form would show it dead.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Outward form: Physical appearance.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The sonnet concludes with the poet declaring that his eternal love remains alive and strong, even though time and physical appearance might suggest otherwise. This reflects the idea that true love is timeless and unchanging, unaffected by the passage of time.
The line reinforces the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong and unwavering despite the passage of time.
Summary of the Sonnet:
Sonnet 108 explores the enduring nature of the poet’s love and its ability to transcend time and physical appearance. The poet reflects on the constancy of his love, which requires no new expressions but rather a repetition of the same sentiments. He declares that his eternal love is not affected by the physical effects of aging, suggesting that it transcends the limitations of the body. The sonnet reflects Shakespeare’s belief in the timeless and unchanging nature of true love, which remains strong and unwavering despite the passage of time.
In-Depth Analysis of Sonnet 108
Summary
In Sonnet 108, Shakespeare reflects on the limits of language in expressing his love. He wonders if there is anything new to write that has not already been said. The poem emphasizes that true love remains unchanged, unaffected by time or age.
- The first quatrain questions whether there is anything new left to say about his love.
- The second quatrain compares his repeated expressions of love to daily prayers, suggesting that love must be continuously reaffirmed.
- The third quatrain asserts that true love transcends time, refusing to acknowledge age, decay, or change.
- The final couplet declares that love remains as fresh as when it first began, even if age and physical form suggest otherwise.
Critical Analysis
1. The Limits of Language and Poetry
- “What’s in the brain, that ink may character, / Which hath not figured to thee my true spirit?”
- Shakespeare questions whether he has anything new to write, as he has already poured his soul into previous verses.
- This reflects a meta-poetic theme—can poetry truly capture the depth of love, or does it simply repeat what has already been said?
2. Love as a Prayer and Ritual
- “Nothing, sweet boy; but yet, like prayers divine, / I must each day say o’er the very same.”
- This suggests that love, like religious devotion, must be reaffirmed daily.
- Even if the words are the same, their meaning and significance remain fresh.
- “Counting no old thing old, thou mine, I thine, / Even as when first I hallowed thy fair name.”
- The act of naming and praising the beloved is likened to hallowing (sanctifying) a divine entity.
- The phrase “thou mine, I thine” suggests reciprocal devotion and unity.
3. The Power of Love Over Time
- “So that eternal love in love’s fresh case, / Weighs not the dust and injury of age.”
- True love remains youthful and unchanging, regardless of the passage of time.
- The “dust and injury of age” symbolize the physical effects of aging, but Shakespeare argues that love is not affected by these.
- “Nor gives to necessary wrinkles place.”
- This line directly rejects the inevitability of aging, suggesting that love defies time’s effects.
- Shakespeare often contrasts physical decay with spiritual or poetic immortality (as seen in Sonnet 18: “But thy eternal summer shall not fade”).
4. Love’s Timelessness and Renewal
- “Finding the first conceit of love there bred, / Where time and outward form would show it dead.”
- This couplet delivers a powerful paradox—even though time and physical change may suggest love should fade, it actually remains as fresh as when it began.
- “First conceit of love” refers to the original idea or feeling of love, which does not diminish despite aging.
- This reinforces Shakespeare’s belief in the enduring nature of love.
Theme Analysis
1. The Inevitability of Repetition in Love and Poetry
- Shakespeare acknowledges that love poems inevitably repeat the same themes.
- However, this repetition does not make them meaningless—just as daily prayers retain their spiritual significance.
2. Love as Eternal and Unchanging
- The poem argues that love is not affected by time or age.
- This is a contrast to the physical world, where aging is inevitable.
- Shakespeare suggests that love, like poetry, has the power to transcend mortality.
3. The Role of Devotion in Love
- The act of writing about love is compared to a sacred ritual.
- Love is not a fleeting passion, but something that requires continuous expression and reaffirmation.
Literary Devices
1. Rhetorical Questions
- “What’s in the brain, that ink may character?”
- This opening question sets the tone for the poet’s struggle with expression.
- It suggests that language may be inadequate to capture true love.
2. Religious Imagery
- Love is compared to divine prayers, emphasizing its sacred and unchanging nature.
- “Hallowed thy fair name” → Echoes the Lord’s Prayer (“hallowed be thy name”), elevating love to a spiritual level.
3. Personification
- “Love in love’s fresh case, / Weighs not the dust and injury of age.”
- Love is personified as something that refuses to acknowledge aging.
4. Contrast & Paradox
- “Where time and outward form would show it dead.”
- The contrast between physical decay and love’s endurance highlights the paradox of love defying time.
Conclusion
Sonnet 108 is a profound meditation on the enduring nature of love and the limits of language in expressing it. Shakespeare suggests that although love poems inevitably repeat themselves, their meaning remains fresh—just as love itself does. Even as time brings physical change, love defies decay, remaining as vibrant as when it first began.
