This sonnet focuses on the concept of immortality. Line 1 says “Not marble nor the gilded monuments Of princes shall outlive this pow’rful rhyme”. The use of the words “marble” and “gilded” indicate wealth and power. Statues are usually erected to commemorate important people, so when Shakespeare says that these things can’t outlive the simple fourteen line rhyme that he has written, it commands our attention immediately. In line four “sluttish” is used to describe time. The meaning we know of today is much different than what is meant. In Shakespeare’s time, a slut was a kitchen maid and sluttish described someone who was dirty and unkempt. By using such a word to describe time, Shakespeare makes it clear that there is something about time that he despises. In the following lines Shakespeare makes it clear how the young man’s memory will live forever. Shakespeare must think of himself as pretty powerful, because he seems to believe that his words will make the young man immortal. The last line of the sonnet again nods to Mr. W.H.’s immortality. “You live in this, and dwell in lovers’ eyes”. The memory of the young man will live in the eyes and the hearts of all those who ever love.
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