Sonnet 110: Alas ‘Tis True, I Have Gone Here And There
Alas! ’tis true, I have gone here and there,
And made my self a motley to the view,
Gored mine own thoughts, sold cheap what is most dear,
Made old offences of affections new;
Most true it is, that I have looked on truth
Askance and strangely; but, by all above,
These blenches gave my heart another youth,
And worse essays proved thee my best of love.
Now all is done, have what shall have no end:
Mine appetite I never more will grind
On newer proof, to try an older friend,
A god in love, to whom I am confined.
Then give me welcome, next my heaven the best,
Even to thy pure and most most loving breast.
Line 1:
“Alas! ’tis true, I have gone here and there,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Alas: An exclamation of sorrow or regret.
- Gone here and there: Wandered or been unfaithful.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The sonnet opens with the poet admitting that he has wandered and been unfaithful. This suggests that he has strayed from his beloved, either physically or emotionally, and is now expressing regret for his actions.
The line sets the tone for the sonnet, which is a confession of past mistakes and a plea for forgiveness.
Line 2:
“And made my self a motley to the view,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Motley: A fool or jester, often dressed in colorful patches.
- To the view: In public or openly.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet describes himself as having made a fool of himself in public, suggesting that his actions have been reckless and undignified. This reflects the idea that he has behaved in a way that is unworthy of his beloved’s love and trust.
The line reinforces the poet’s sense of regret and his recognition of his own folly.
Line 3:
“Gored mine own thoughts, sold cheap what is most dear,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Gored: Wounded or damaged.
- Sold cheap: Undervalued or betrayed.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet admits that he has wounded his own thoughts and betrayed what is most dear to him, suggesting that he has acted against his own values and the love he holds for the beloved. This reflects the idea that his actions have been self-destructive and harmful to his relationship.
The line reinforces the poet’s sense of regret and his recognition of his own mistakes.
Line 4:
“Made old offences of affections new;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Old offences: Past mistakes or wrongdoings.
- Affections new: New loves or infatuations.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet acknowledges that he has repeated past mistakes by pursuing new loves or infatuations, suggesting that he has been unfaithful and inconsistent in his affections. This reflects the idea that his actions have been repetitive and harmful to his relationship.
The line reinforces the poet’s sense of regret and his recognition of his own flaws.
Line 5:
“Most true it is, that I have looked on truth”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Looked on truth: Regarded or considered true love.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet admits that he has regarded true love with skepticism or indifference, suggesting that he has failed to appreciate the depth and sincerity of his beloved’s love. This reflects the idea that his actions have been misguided and ungrateful.
The line reinforces the poet’s sense of regret and his recognition of his own shortcomings.
Line 6:
“Askance and strangely; but, by all above,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Askance: With suspicion or doubt.
- Strangely: In an unusual or inappropriate manner.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet describes how he has looked upon true love with suspicion and in an inappropriate manner, suggesting that he has failed to recognize its value. This reflects the idea that his actions have been misguided and ungrateful.
The line reinforces the poet’s sense of regret and his recognition of his own mistakes.
Line 7:
“These blenches gave my heart another youth,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Blenches: Flaws or lapses.
- Another youth: A renewed sense of vitality or passion.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet admits that his flaws and lapses have given him a renewed sense of vitality or passion, suggesting that his mistakes have led to personal growth or self-discovery. This reflects the idea that his actions, while regrettable, have also been a source of learning and renewal.
The line suggests that the poet’s mistakes have ultimately strengthened his love for the beloved.
Line 8:
“And worse essays proved thee my best of love.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Worse essays: Failed attempts or mistakes.
- Proved: Demonstrated or confirmed.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet declares that his failed attempts and mistakes have proven the beloved to be his true and best love. This suggests that his experiences have led him to recognize the depth and sincerity of his love for the beloved.
The line reflects the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which has been strengthened by his mistakes.
Line 9:
“Now all is done, have what shall have no end:”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Have what shall have no end: Possess something eternal or unchanging.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet declares that now that all his mistakes are behind him, he possesses something eternal and unchanging: his love for the beloved. This suggests that his love has been purified and strengthened by his experiences.
The line reflects the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong despite his past mistakes.
Line 10:
“Mine appetite I never more will grind”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Appetite: Desires or passions.
- Grind: Sharpen or indulge.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet vows never again to indulge his desires or passions, suggesting that he has learned from his mistakes and is committed to being faithful to the beloved. This reflects the idea that his love has been purified and strengthened by his experiences.
The line reinforces the poet’s sense of regret and his commitment to change.
Line 11:
“On newer proof, to try an older friend,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Newer proof: New experiences or temptations.
- Older friend: The beloved, who has been a constant and faithful companion.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet declares that he will no longer seek new experiences or temptations to test the beloved’s love, suggesting that he has learned to appreciate the constancy and faithfulness of the beloved. This reflects the idea that his love has been purified and strengthened by his experiences.
The line reinforces the poet’s commitment to the beloved and his recognition of their enduring love.
Line 12:
“A god in love, to whom I am confined.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- God in love: A divine or perfect love.
- Confined: Bound or devoted.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet describes the beloved as a “god in love,” suggesting that their love is divine and perfect. He declares that he is bound and devoted to this love, reflecting his deep admiration and commitment.
The line reinforces the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong and unwavering.
Line 13:
“Then give me welcome, next my heaven the best,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Welcome: Acceptance or forgiveness.
- Next my heaven: Second only to heaven.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The poet pleads for the beloved’s welcome and forgiveness, suggesting that their love is the most important thing in his life, second only to heaven. This reflects the idea that his love for the beloved is his highest priority and source of happiness.
The line reinforces the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong and unwavering.
Line 14:
“Even to thy pure and most most loving breast.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Pure: Innocent or virtuous.
- Most most loving: Deeply and sincerely loving.
In-Depth Explanation of Text and Context:
The sonnet concludes with the poet expressing his desire to return to the beloved’s pure and loving embrace, suggesting that their love is his ultimate source of comfort and happiness. This reflects the idea that his love for the beloved is his highest priority and source of fulfillment.
The line reinforces the poet’s belief in the enduring nature of his love, which remains strong and unwavering.
Summary of the Sonnet:
Sonnet 110 is a confession of past mistakes and a plea for forgiveness. The poet admits that he has wandered and been unfaithful, making a fool of himself and betraying what is most dear to him. He acknowledges that he has regarded true love with skepticism and indifference, but his mistakes have ultimately strengthened his love for the beloved. The poet vows never again to indulge his desires or seek new temptations, declaring that the beloved is his true and best love. He pleads for the beloved’s welcome and forgiveness, expressing his desire to return to their pure and loving embrace. The sonnet reflects Shakespeare’s belief in the enduring nature of true love, which remains strong and unwavering despite past mistakes.
In-Depth Analysis of Sonnet 110
Summary
In Sonnet 110, Shakespeare openly admits to past mistakes—he confesses to wandering, being foolish, and valuing things improperly. However, he ultimately returns to his beloved, realizing that they are his true and greatest love.
- The first quatrain acknowledges that he has been unfaithful in some way, seeking novelty and disregarding what truly mattered.
- The second quatrain expresses regret—he looked at truth in a distorted way but now sees more clearly.
- The third quatrain affirms that his straying is over—he will no longer chase new experiences at the expense of his beloved.
- The final couplet asks for forgiveness and reconciliation, declaring that his beloved is his greatest joy, second only to heaven.
Critical Analysis
1. The Theme of Regret and Redemption
- The opening lines admit past wrongdoing:
- “Alas! ’tis true, I have gone here and there, / And made my self a motley to the view.”
- “Gone here and there” implies restlessness, while “motley” (the outfit of a fool) suggests he made himself ridiculous.
- He regrets seeking public attention or indulging in distractions.
- “Gored mine own thoughts, sold cheap what is most dear.”
- Powerful imagery of self-inflicted pain—he has betrayed his own conscience.
- “Sold cheap” suggests that he undervalued what truly mattered (his beloved).
2. Learning From Mistakes
- “Most true it is, that I have looked on truth / Askance and strangely.”
- He admits to distorting or ignoring the truth.
- “But, by all above, / These blenches gave my heart another youth.”
- “Blenches” means hesitations or deviations—his mistakes have renewed his heart.
- Instead of permanently damaging him, his errors have led him back to true love with greater clarity.
- “And worse essays proved thee my best of love.”
- His failed attempts at love have only confirmed how precious his beloved is.
3. A Promise of Fidelity
- “Now all is done, have what shall have no end.”
- He states his wandering days are over—his love will be eternal.
- “Mine appetite I never more will grind / On newer proof, to try an older friend.”
- He vows to stop seeking new experiences when he already has something more valuable.
- The contrast between “newer proof” and “older friend” emphasizes wisdom gained over time.
4. The Final Plea for Reconciliation
- “A god in love, to whom I am confined.”
- He now sees love as sacred, something he is bound to forever.
- “Then give me welcome, next my heaven the best, / Even to thy pure and most most loving breast.”
- The repetition of “most most” intensifies his affection and sincerity.
- He asks for forgiveness and a return to intimacy, placing his beloved just below heaven in importance.
Theme Analysis
1. The Consequences of Foolishness
- The poet admits to making mistakes—seeking attention, undervaluing love, and chasing distractions.
- However, he has learned from these experiences and realized the depth of his true love.
2. The Renewal of Love Through Experience
- His errors have not destroyed love but rather strengthened it.
- By testing what was lesser, he has discovered what is truly great.
3. Seeking Forgiveness and Stability
- The poet vows to remain faithful, asking his beloved to accept him back.
- He compares his beloved to heaven, suggesting divine and eternal love.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor: Love as a Commodity
- “Sold cheap what is most dear.”
- The poet compares love to something that can be undervalued or traded.
- This highlights his regret—he realizes too late that he has misjudged love’s worth.
2. Visual Imagery of Foolishness
- “Made my self a motley to the view.”
- The word “motley” refers to a fool’s costume, implying public humiliation.
- The poet feels ashamed of his past actions.
3. Contrast Between Old and New
- “Mine appetite I never more will grind / On newer proof, to try an older friend.”
- The contrast between “newer” and “older” emphasizes learning from experience.
- He now rejects novelty in favor of something deep and lasting.
4. Religious Imagery
- “A god in love, to whom I am confined.”
- The comparison to a god suggests that his love is sacred and unbreakable.
- “Next my heaven the best.”
- Equating his beloved with heaven elevates them to the highest possible place in his heart.
Conclusion
Sonnet 110 is a heartfelt confession and plea for reconciliation. Shakespeare admits to past mistakes, acknowledges that he was foolish in seeking distractions, and affirms that his beloved is his true and eternal love. The final lines make a strong appeal for forgiveness, framing love as a divine and sacred force.
