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READ THIS
This sonnet deals with two lovers who are apparently on the verge of permanent separation.
The poet is determined that, should they ever meet again, they will show no sign of their former love.
In the rhyming couplet, however, the poet reconsiders and makes a final plea to his love to reconcile.
ABOUT THE POET
Michael Drayton was born in Warwickshire (England) in 1563. As a youth, he became a page to a certain
Sir Henry Goodeere, who saw to his education.
The poet fell in love with Sir Henry's daughter, Anne, the inspiration behind the poem "Idea" but he
clearly did not win her love as he died a bachelor.
Drayton settled in London in 1590 where he enjoyed a long career as a poet, with his first published work
appearing in 1591.
He was a favourite at the court of Queen Elizabeth but he was not successful in winning the favour of her
successor, King James I. A poem which he wrote complimenting the new king was ridiculed and his
service at the court was rejected.
Drayton died in London in December, 1631. He was buried in Westminster Abbey under a monument with
an epitaph by Ben Johnson, a famous English playwright and one of Drayton's friends.
Have you looked at the questions
in the right column?
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TEST YOURSELF!
Read the left column and then answer
the following questions:
Some general questions:
- Analyse and discuss the aspects which characterise this particular Shakespearean
sonnet. (6)
[Need help?]
In this sonnet, the first quatrain highlights the poet's apparent relief that the love affair has reached its
conclusion.
The second quatrain outlines their behaviour should they meet in future. The poet states that they should
not show any emotion or hint of their former love.
The third quatrain announces a change in the poet's attitude towards the ending of the affair. It is clear
that he is not as content as he professes to be in the first quatrain. He is hopeful that, in spite of the
apparent hopelessness, there is something that can yet be rekindled.
The rhyming couplet makes his sentiment clear that even though the affair has seemingly run its course,
there is hope of rekindling the affair if she is willing to give the relationship another chance.
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- Identify the quatrain which brings about a change in the poet's thought process. (1)
[Need help?]
The change occurs in the third quatrain.
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- Discuss your reasons for selecting this particular quatrain. (3)
[Need help?]
In the first quatrain the poet is adamant that the affair is over. In the second quatrain he gives advice on
how they should behave should they meet again in future.
In the third quatrain, however, after trying to convince himself and his lover that the affair is over, the poet
has second thoughts as he considers the death of the relationship.
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"And I am glad, yea, glad with all my heart,
That thus so cleanly I myself can free."
- The poet repeats the word "glad". Explain his reason for the use of
repetition. (3)
[Need help?]
The poet is trying to emphasise his determination and the extent and depth of his feelings. It is as though
he is trying to convince himself and his love that he is relieved the affair has come to an end.
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- Comment on the connotation and implication of the word "cleanly". (4)
[Need help?]
The connotation of the word is "clean cut" -- there are no repercussions or consequences. The
implication is that once the affair is over, there is no going back.
The poet is saying that it will be a complete break and that there will be no lingering emotions. His
intention is to walk away and not look back.
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"Shake hands forever, cancel all our vows."
- What is the connotation of the words "Shake hands" within the context of the
poem? (4)
[Need help?]
Shaking hands is a very formal greeting. It is a very public form of greeting which does not involve
emotion. It is the opposite of the intimate relationship that Drayton and his lover have enjoyed.
The poet is stressing the need to act as though they have not shared an intimacy or any emotional
connection. This formality will make it easier for them to cope with meeting each other in public after such
a close relationship.
Shaking hands will therefore help to ease meeting again and will be a means of avoiding emotional stress.
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- Discuss the implication of the word "cancel" in the context of the poem. (3)
[Need help?]
When one cancels something, one eradicates it from existence and from memory. It is as though it never
existed. You have no further obligation to the person or the situation.
It is also a formal word. You cancel a contract, for instance. It implies that you have no further ties to that
contract. That deal is null and void.
No one can hold you responsible for anything you may or may not have done; no one can hold you to any
promises you may have made. The word implies a sense of freedom from responsibility.
Drayton's use of the word ties in with the instruction to shake hands. He has formalised the ending of the
relationship and need not feel an obligation or responsibility in any way. He emphasises the end of the
intimacy between them, as though a business deal has been terminated.
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"Now the last gasp of love's latest breath."
- Apart from the personification already referred to, identify another figure of speech in this
line. (1)
[Need help?]
The line contains an example of alliteration since there is repetition of the "l" sound: "last . . .
love's . . . latest".
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"And innocence is closing up his eyes,"
- To what "innocence" does Drayton refer? Justify your answer. (4)
[Need help?]
The poet refers to the former innocence of their love.
When something is innocent it is new and has not gained experience of the world. This is the origin of
saying: "As innocent as a newborn baby."
Their love is no longer fresh, new or innocent. Their love affair has apparently run its course and is old,
jaded and experienced. With experience comes the loss of innocence. Their love no longer feels fresh
and exciting.
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" -- Now if thou wouldst, when all have given him over.
From death to life thou mightst him yet recover! "
- Drayton has chosen to start the rhyming couplet with a dash. Account for his selection of this
punctuation mark and its implication. (4)
[Need help?]
One of the functions of a dash is to highlight what follows.
Drayton has decided to draw attention to his suggestion or plea that, in spite of their decision to end the
affair, his lover has the power to resuscitate the relationship, should she choose to do so.
Even though everything seems to point to the fact that the relationship is at an end, he is still hopeful that
she will save their love from the brink of death and restore it to life.
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