"When, in disgrace with Fortune and men’s eyes" is the opening line of Sonnet 29 by William Shakespeare.
Sonnet 29 by William Shakespeare
When, in disgrace with Fortune and men’s eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate;
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
This sonnet expresses the speaker's initial despair over his misfortunes and feelings of social rejection, but ultimately, the thought of his beloved brings him immense joy, making him feel richer than a king.
William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 29 is a masterful use of literary elements and stylistic devices that enhance its emotional depth and meaning. Below is an analysis based on elements of literature and elements of style.
Elements of Literature in Sonnet 29
Theme – The central theme of the poem is despair and redemption through love. The speaker moves from self-pity and isolation to joy and contentment when thinking of his beloved.
Tone – The tone shifts from melancholy and hopelessness in the first quatrain to hopeful and uplifting in the concluding couplet.
Imagery – The poem uses vivid imagery to depict despair and happiness:
- "Beweep my outcast state" – evokes loneliness and rejection.
- "Like to the lark at break of day arising" – symbolizes the speaker’s renewed spirit and joy.
Symbolism –
- "Fortune and men’s eyes" symbolize societal judgment and fate.
- "Lark at break of day" represents rebirth and emotional renewal.
Conflict – There is an internal conflict within the speaker between feelings of inadequacy and the power of love to uplift him.
Mood – Initially somber and sorrowful but becomes hopeful and joyous as the poem progresses.
Speaker & Point of View – The poem is in first-person point of view, making the emotional experience deeply personal.
Elements of Style in Sonnet 29
Structure (Sonnet Form) – The poem follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet structure:
- 14 lines in iambic pentameter
- ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme
- A clear progression from problem (quatrains) to resolution (couplet)
Diction (Word Choice) – Shakespeare’s choice of words enhances the poem’s contrast between despair and hope.
- Negative diction: "disgrace," "outcast," "bootless cries," "curse my fate"
- Positive diction: "arising," "sings hymns," "heaven’s gate," "sweet love"
Metaphor –
- "Trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries" – compares unanswered prayers to useless cries.
- "Lark at break of day arising" – compares personal upliftment to a bird soaring at dawn.
Alliteration –
- "Sing hymns at heaven’s gate" (repetition of "h" sound) creates a musical effect.
Contrast (Juxtaposition) – The first quatrain’s sadness is sharply contrasted with the joyful conclusion, making the final lines more impactful.
Enjambment – The continuation of thoughts across lines (e.g., lines 9–10) mirrors the natural flow of emotions.
Volta (Shift in Thought) – The ninth line introduces the shift from despair to hope, marked by the word "Yet", a typical feature of Shakespearean sonnets.
Conclusion
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 29 effectively employs literary elements (theme, tone, imagery, symbolism) and stylistic devices (structure, diction, metaphor, contrast) to craft a powerful emotional journey from despair to joy. The speaker’s transformation highlights the redemptive power of love, making the poem timeless and deeply relatable.
