Poetic Devices
Hyperbole
Hyperbole, the use of exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, is subtly woven throughout Sonnet 116, enhancing its thematic depth and emotional resonance. Shakespeare employs hyperbolic language to elevate the concept of love to an almost mythical status, emphasizing its enduring nature and immutable qualities. One prominent example of hyperbole in the sonnet is the assertion that love is "an ever-fixed mark." By likening love to a steadfast, unchanging landmark, Shakespeare exaggerates its stability and permanence, suggesting that it transcends the passage of time and remains unwavering despite external circumstances. Another instance occurs when Shakespeare describes love as a guiding star for every "wand'ring bark," employing hyperbole to elevate love to a celestial force that provides direction and constancy in life's tumultuous journey.
Alliteration
Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, adds musicality and rhythm to Sonnet 116, enhancing its poetic impact. Shakespeare strategically employs alliteration to emphasize key ideas and create cohesion within the sonnet. One notable instance of alliteration occurs in the line "Love is not love," where the repeated "L" sound emphasizes the contrast between true love and mere infatuation, drawing attention to the central theme of the sonnet. Additionally, in the line "That looks on tempests," the repeated "T" sound not only creates a rhythmic pattern but also reinforces the image of steadfastness and resilience associated with genuine love.
Enjambment
Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause, is skillfully employed in Sonnet 116 to create a sense of flow and to emphasize the interconnectedness of ideas. Shakespeare uses enjambment to carry the reader seamlessly through the sonnet, allowing thoughts to spill over from one line to the next, enhancing the natural rhythm of the poem. One example of enjambment in Sonnet 116 occurs in the lines "Love is not love / Which alters when it alteration finds," where the idea of love's unchanging nature extends beyond the confines of a single line, emphasizing its steadfastness and resilience. Another instance is seen in "But bears it out ev'n to the edge of doom," where the thought spans two lines, reinforcing the idea that true love endures even in the face of adversity and mortality. These instances of enjambment contribute to the fluidity of the sonnet's structure.
Personification
Personification, the attribution of human qualities to non-human entities, is employed throughout Sonnet 116 to convey abstract concepts with vivid imagery and emotional resonance. One striking example of personification is found in the line "Love's not Time's fool," where Time is personified as a trickster figure. By portraying time as an active agent, Shakespeare emphasizes the contrast between the fleeting nature of temporal existence and the timeless quality of true love. Another instance occurs in the line "That looks on tempests and is never shaken," where love is personified as an observer with the ability to withstand storms without faltering. This personification underscores love's resilience and unwavering nature in the face of adversity, portraying it as a steadfast force that endures through life's trials.
