Poem Analysis of Sonnet 19 by William Shakespeare

Human interactions have varying degrees of influence on an individual throughout time, enhancing an individual's identity. The study of poetry in comparison exposes the differences in time relationships and how they affect an individual's identity. William Shakespeare's poem, "Sonnet 19" (1609) explores the impact of time of those around him and C.P CAVAFY'S poem, "ITHAKA" (1911), in contrast, emphasises the importance of the road leading to the destination, which empowers unique identities and teaches significant lessons. By juxtaposing the great adventure of battle with the tragedies of war, the poets' varied viewpoints simultaneously strengthen and degrade one's own identity.

In a similar vein as Sonnet 19, CAVAFY'S created a complimentary sonnet about the passage of time and how it impacts a person's ability to enrich and define connections. The poem was written in 1911, during a time when the world was undergoing an extremely unstable era building up to World War 1. Many people were aware that a conflict was possible at this time. The poem "Ithaka" is a free verse poem with five stanzas. If the poem is written in free verse, the poet has more latitude in conveying meaning. The poem has its metaphorical meaning, which can be observed in the lines  “As you set out for Ithaka hope your road is a long one.” This presentation of a metaphorical meaning gives an underpinning meaning that can be seen throughout the poem. This meaning represents that everyone is on their road to Ithaka and this road you will find your identity. The mythical illusion of Greek mythology is illustrated throughout the poem, but particularly in the line “Laistrygonians, Cyclops. angry Poseidon” The mythical illusion of Greek mythology has a metaphorical connotation of problems in one's life. If you pass and go on, you'll have a new relationship to your identity as a result of surviving difficult circumstances. A person's identity may be formed in a variety of ways, one of which is through wisdom gained during the "marvellous journey." "Visit many Egyptian cities to learn and go on learning from their scholars." The term learns is repeated several times to emphasise that people may discover their identities by comprehending knowledge. Because 1911 was such an uncertain year in the world's history, the statement "don't be afraid" was coined. It's ironic because the world was in a state of terror at the time, as well as the poem's figurative meaning of not being afraid of what lies ahead. As a result, going through adversity strengthens someone's connection. Ithaca focuses on the notion of time freedom and how this persona's connection with time has only given them happiness and pleasure. It stands in sharp contrast to Sonnet XIX's ideas and objectives.

Shakespeare's sonnet emphasises the gradual decline of living things, which enriches bonds and relationships with the remaining time you have. Sonnet 19 is a 14-line sonnet with one stanza, however, it is divided into three quatrains and a rhyming couplet at the conclusion. William Shakespeare, a British poet, and playwright wrote it in 1609. The quatrain allows the poet considerable creative flexibility while also allowing the poet to represent the five senses while maintaining a rhyme scheme. With rich animal imagery, the poet addresses time and muses on time's customary effects on nature in Sonnet 19. This concept is seen through the constant use of mythical illusion throughout the poem, but is also seen through “And make the earth devour her own sweet blood”. The use of mythical illusion depicts that life is fragile and bound for disaster. Therefore this encourages people to enrich their relationship with the limited time available. Time is in essence and is thoroughly shown throughout the poem “Pluck the teeth from the fierce tiger’s jaws.” These lines help emphasise that even the most majestic and feared creatures succumb to the passage of time. The use of symbolism is used as the tiger ages over time and therefore loses its teeth and claws. The use of the technique emphasises the passing of time through the ageing of everything. Line 13 “Yet do thy worst, old Time” provides a more in-depth understanding. The poet completes this with the use of personification, describing old times as something that has harmed or damaged someone. There was great complexity seen in Sonnet 19 and through literary techniques which include iambic pentameter on the first 2 lines of the sonnet. The use of this technique helps the reader understand more clearly what is being stated. The persona's poisonous relationship with time is often portrayed as a cruel deity toying with his minions, although the remark is true "Yet do thy worst, old Time! Despite thy wrong. My love shall in my verse ever live young" Introduces a twist by hinting that the persona must escape time's constraints. The exclamatory remark conjures up a scene of defiant youth, and it shows readers that the persona is trapped and constrained by time. Thus, it expresses how people can be enriched through their relationships with others. Shakespeare’s relationship with time is highlighted therefore it provides reassurance that the passing of time can enrich the identity of oneself.

The way a person interacts with their surroundings has a significant impact on their identity. This is exemplified in the poems "Sonnet 19" by Shakespeare and "Ithaka" by C.P Cavafy, with the absence of order in both works demonstrating how time is unorganised and hence unmanageable. The passing of time is a recurring motif in the film, and it depicts how, despite the fact that time is ticking away, it allows people to enrich their identities in a variety of ways.