Sonnet 39: O! How Thy Worth With Manners May I Sing
O! How thy worth with manners may I sing,
When thou art all the better part of me?
What can mine own praise to mine own self bring?
And what is’t but mine own when I praise thee?
Even for this, let us divided live,
And our dear love lose name of single one,
That by this separation I may give
That due to thee which thou deserv’st alone.
O absence! what a torment wouldst thou prove,
Were it not thy sour leisure gave sweet leave,
To entertain the time with thoughts of love,
Which time and thoughts so sweetly doth deceive,
And that thou teachest how to make one twain,
By praising him here who doth hence remain.
Line 1: O! How thy worth with manners may I sing,
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Worth: Value, merit, or excellence.
- Manners: Proper behavior or decorum.
- Sing: To praise or celebrate in poetry.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker begins by expressing his struggle to praise the beloved’s worth (“thy worth”) in a way that is appropriate or respectful (“with manners”). This suggests a tension between the depth of his admiration and the need to express it in a measured, socially acceptable way.
Context:
This sonnet is part of Shakespeare’s sequence addressed to the “Fair Youth.” The speaker grapples with the challenge of praising the beloved while maintaining a sense of propriety. The line reflects the theme of separation and the difficulty of expressing love in a way that does justice to its intensity.
Line 2: When thou art all the better part of me?
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Thou art: You are.
- Better part: The superior or more valuable aspect.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker acknowledges that the beloved is “all the better part of me,” suggesting that the beloved represents the best aspects of the speaker’s own identity. This implies a deep emotional and spiritual connection between the two.
Context:
This line emphasizes the unity and interdependence of the speaker and the beloved. It reflects the theme of love as a merging of identities, where the beloved’s virtues elevate the speaker’s sense of self.
Line 3: What can mine own praise to mine own self bring?
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Mine own: My own.
- Praise: Admiration or acclaim.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker questions what value his praise of the beloved can bring to himself, since the beloved is so deeply connected to him. This suggests that praising the beloved is, in a sense, praising himself, which complicates the act of celebration.
Context:
This line reflects the speaker’s struggle with the paradox of praising someone who is so closely tied to his own identity. It underscores the theme of unity and the difficulty of expressing love in a way that acknowledges both connection and individuality.
Line 4: And what is’t but mine own when I praise thee?
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- What is’t: What is it.
- Mine own: My own.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker continues to explore the idea that praising the beloved is, in essence, praising himself. This reinforces the theme of unity and the blurring of boundaries between the speaker and the beloved.
Context:
This line highlights the speaker’s internal conflict and his awareness of the deep connection between himself and the beloved. It reflects the theme of love as a merging of identities.
Line 5: Even for this, let us divided live,
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Divided: Separated or apart.
- Live: Exist or dwell.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker suggests that, because of this deep connection, they should live apart (“divided”). This separation would allow the speaker to praise the beloved without the complication of their unity.
Context:
This line introduces the theme of separation as a means of resolving the speaker’s internal conflict. It reflects the idea that distance can provide clarity and allow for more genuine expression of love.
Line 6: And our dear love lose name of single one,
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Dear love: Beloved or cherished love.
- Single one: A unified entity.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker suggests that their love should no longer be seen as a single, unified entity (“lose name of single one”). This implies that separation will allow their love to be expressed and appreciated as distinct and individual.
Context:
This line reinforces the idea that separation can enhance the expression of love by allowing each individual to be recognized and celebrated on their own terms.
Line 7: That by this separation I may give
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Separation: Division or distance.
- Give: Offer or provide.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker explains that separation will allow him to give the beloved the praise he deserves (“that due to thee”). This suggests that distance will enable a more genuine and independent expression of admiration.
Context:
This line reflects the speaker’s belief that separation can strengthen their love by allowing each individual to shine independently. It underscores the theme of love as both a unifying and individuating force.
Line 8: That due to thee which thou deserv’st alone.
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Due: What is owed or deserved.
- Deserv’st: Deserve (archaic form).
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker emphasizes that the beloved deserves praise in his own right, separate from the speaker. This reflects the speaker’s desire to honor the beloved’s individuality and worth.
Context:
This line reinforces the theme of separation as a means of celebrating the beloved’s unique virtues. It reflects the speaker’s deep admiration and respect for the beloved.
Line 9: O absence! what a torment wouldst thou prove,
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Absence: Separation or distance.
- Torment: Pain or suffering.
- Wouldst thou prove: Would you be.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker addresses “absence” directly, acknowledging that it would be a source of pain (“torment”). This reflects the speaker’s awareness of the emotional cost of separation.
Context:
This line introduces the theme of the bittersweet nature of separation. While it allows for individual expression, it also brings emotional suffering.
Line 10: Were it not thy sour leisure gave sweet leave,
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Sour leisure: Bitter or painful free time.
- Sweet leave: Pleasant permission or opportunity.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker suggests that absence, though painful, provides an opportunity (“sweet leave”) to reflect on love. This implies that separation can deepen emotional connection by allowing for contemplation.
Context:
This line reflects the speaker’s belief that separation, while difficult, can have positive effects by fostering appreciation and reflection.
Line 11: To entertain the time with thoughts of love,
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Entertain: To occupy or engage.
- Thoughts of love: Reflections on love.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker suggests that absence allows him to fill his time with thoughts of love, turning pain into a source of emotional richness.
Context:
This line reinforces the idea that separation can deepen love by providing space for reflection and appreciation.
Line 12: Which time and thoughts so sweetly doth deceive,
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Deceive: To mislead or distract.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker suggests that thoughts of love can “deceive” time, making it pass more sweetly and less painfully. This reflects the transformative power of love.
Context:
This line highlights the speaker’s ability to find solace in love, even in the face of separation.
Line 13: And that thou teachest how to make one twain,
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Teachest: Teach (archaic form).
- One twain: One into two.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker suggests that absence teaches how to separate one into two, emphasizing the individuating power of distance.
Context:
This line reflects the theme of separation as a means of celebrating individuality within love.
Line 14: By praising him here who doth hence remain.
Difficult Words and Meanings:
- Hence: From here or away.
In-Depth Explanation:
The speaker concludes by stating that he praises the beloved, who remains apart, emphasizing the enduring nature of their love despite separation.
Context:
This line encapsulates the central theme of the sonnet: the transformative power of separation in deepening and individualizing love.
Summary of the Sonnet:
Sonnet 39 explores the tension between unity and separation in love. The speaker grapples with the challenge of praising the beloved while acknowledging their deep connection. He suggests that separation can allow for a more genuine expression of love by celebrating the beloved’s individuality. While absence is painful, it also provides an opportunity for reflection and emotional growth. The sonnet reflects the bittersweet nature of love and the transformative power of distance.
In-Depth Analysis of Sonnet 39
Summary:
In Sonnet 39, the speaker grapples with the challenge of praising the beloved without seeming self-congratulatory, as they consider the beloved the “better part” of themselves. The speaker questions whether their own praise of the beloved is meaningful when, in doing so, they are essentially praising themselves.
To resolve this dilemma, the speaker proposes separation—not because love should end, but so that they can rightfully bestow praise on the beloved as an independent being. This physical distance, though painful, provides an opportunity for reflection, making love grow stronger in thought.
The final couplet highlights a paradox: separation teaches the speaker how to remain united in love, as they can still celebrate the beloved even in absence. The act of writing poetry allows the speaker to keep the beloved present, despite the physical distance.
Critical Analysis:
This sonnet explores themes of love, identity, separation, and the function of poetry in preserving emotional connection. The speaker’s dilemma—how to properly praise someone who is an intrinsic part of themselves—reflects Shakespeare’s recurring theme of deep emotional unity between lovers.
Separation is not seen as purely negative; rather, it is framed as an opportunity to cherish love in a new way. The phrase “sour leisure” suggests that absence is painful, but it grants “sweet leave” to contemplate love more deeply. The idea that time and thoughts “deceive” implies that love transcends physical presence, sustaining itself through memory and poetry.
Furthermore, the paradox in the final couplet—where separation (“making one twain”) actually reinforces connection—echoes the Renaissance belief in the power of art to preserve love and beauty against time and distance.
Theme Analysis:
- The Unity of Love and Identity: The speaker sees the beloved as an inseparable part of themselves, making praise of the beloved feel like self-praise.
- Separation as a Means of Appreciation: Distance is not a loss but an opportunity to reflect and celebrate love.
- Love’s Power to Overcome Absence: The speaker keeps the beloved present through poetry and memory.
- Paradox of Division and Unity: Physical separation paradoxically strengthens emotional connection.
Literary Devices:
- Paradox:
- “That by this separation I may give / That due to thee which thou deserv’st alone”—suggests that distance allows true appreciation.
- “How to make one twain”—separation ironically deepens unity.
- Rhetorical Questions: The speaker asks, “What can mine own praise to mine own self bring?” to emphasize their struggle in praising the beloved.
- Personification:
- “O absence! what a torment wouldst thou prove”—absence is given human qualities, reinforcing its emotional impact.
- “Time and thoughts so sweetly doth deceive”—suggests that memory and reflection make love feel ever-present.
- Alliteration: “Sour leisure” and “sweet leave” create a rhythmic contrast between pain and pleasure in absence.
- Irony: The idea that being apart strengthens love contradicts the expected notion that separation weakens relationships.
Conclusion:
Sonnet 39 is a profound meditation on love’s ability to endure despite separation. Shakespeare masterfully balances themes of unity and division, portraying absence not as a loss but as a means of deepening affection. The speaker’s struggle to properly praise the beloved reflects the intensity of their bond, reinforcing the idea that love transcends physical presence and is immortalized through poetry.
