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Created on: April 17, 2009   Last Updated: April 21, 2009

A NOTE: This analysis of Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 is broken into seven sections. The poem will first be analyzed according to the five basic elements of literature, namely: plot, setting, point of view, characterization, and theme. Then, there are are two additional sections at the end of the analysis that details the poem's summary and its contribution to English literature. The reason these two additional sections aren't placed before the analysis is because, oftentimes, readers prefer the content straight-up, rather than a subtle introduction to the piece.

PLOT Shakespeare begins Sonnet 18 rather differently: with a question (Shall I compare thee to a Summers day?' (line 1)). His playful tone serves to express that he is merely toying with the idea. This clues the reader in that once again, the poet may be coloring outside the lines' of another common poetic comparison. Thus, the first line of the sonnet serves to be its hook. The manner of the speaker is so light-hearted and pleasant, yet, it seems he already knows the answer to the question he poses.

Curiosity is invoked within the reader. From this point on being a lyric poem the sonnet proceeds chronologically. By the second line, the poet realizes he has made a mistake, as comparing the Youth to a summer's day does his feelings no justice. There is situational irony injected, as the reader's expectations of a typical comparison are left unfulfilled. Shakespeare questions the idea of his friend being as gorgeous as a summer day, but then raises the ante by saying he is more impressive.

The connotation of a summer's day is already pleasant: the image denotes illumination, brilliance, and life. And yet, the youth is more lovely and more temperate' (line 2) he is gentler, more constant, more controlled. In addition, summer passes its lease hath all too short a date' (line 4). The financial term, lease', expresses the formal fact that summer has its allotted time. At this point of the sonnet, the exposition is achieved. Shakespeare has introduced in his first quatrain - two arguments as to why his friend's beauty far surpasses that of summer arguments he will later expand in the second quatrain. Though there is no definite conflict in the story, one may claim that Shakespeare's criticism of the faults of summer in order to glorify his friend presents the issue of man versus environment. According to the speaker, a summer day has violent excesses. Sometimes, the sun shines too brightly. Shakespeare implores the

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