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Abigail Jones

Ms. Gardner

English 10 H

6 September 2016

Sonnet 86 Analysis

Sonnet 86 tells of taking back ones strength and denying a rival credit to ones silence:

Shakespeares use of strong and forceful diction portrays the singular strength of one individual and

shows the independence of this character. The way Shakespeare interrogates the unknown subject to make

them feel accused illuminates the upper hand he has on this situation. He begins to chip away at the

subjects confidence by asking these questions with such a rigid tone. The first two lines start off strong

with striking consonance. Words such as proud, verse, bound, and prize make clear that the

theme of this poem will not be soft and sweet, but stern and to the point as the speaker regains their

independence. The use of strict language gives a strong tone and reinforces the theme of capability and

self-sufficiency. In later lines Shakespeare accuses the subject of being taught how to write so well by

spirits of dead poets with a play on words. He suggests that the writer could not possibly have come up

with writing like this on his own, taking a jab at the intelligence of the opposing poet. A turning point

occurs at lines ten and eleven. Now, Shakespeare uses cacophony to enhance the sonnet and reinforce the

theme of independence with the verses As victors of my silence cannot boast. I was not sick of any fear

from thence. He does not give the rival poet the credit to his silence. He makes it clear that it was not

fear that silenced him, it was his own decision. Ultimately, Shakespeare emphasizes the importance of

being independent by showing one can empower themselves, without the approval of others by being

direct in order to get their point across.

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