Ha, one of the reasons I love Shakespeare is because he uses a style that could be interpreted completely differently by everyone who reads it. His plays on words always amuse me to no end, because no matter how you look at it, you're always right. Everyone can argue their hearts out about it, but the simple fact of the matter is that it's all based on opinion.

I can see where it would be a love poem, but think about it; Shakespeare loved and lost just like everyone. Poets all write about both happiness and sadness, anger, fear, all the emotions under the sun and probably some they made up. But look at the sonnets on either end of #130[the one you posted, ethelfleda]:
#129
The expense of spirit in a waste of shame
Is lust in action; and till action, lust
Is perjured, murderous, bloody, full of blame,
Savage, extreme, rude, cruel, not to trust,
Enjoy'd no sooner but despised straight,
Past reason hunted, and no sooner had
Past reason hated, as a swallow'd bait
On purpose laid to make the taker mad;
Mad in pursuit and in possession so;
Had, having, and in quest to have, extreme;
A bliss in proof, and proved, a very woe;
Before, a joy proposed; behind, a dream.
All this the world well knows; yet none knows well
To shun the heaven that leads men to this hell.

#131
Thou art as tyrannous, so as thou art,
As those whose beauties proudly make them cruel;
For well thou know'st to my dear doting heart
Thou art the fairest and most precious jewel.
Yet, in good faith, some say that thee behold
Thy face hath not the power to make love groan:
To say they err I dare not be so bold,
Although I swear it to myself alone.
And, to be sure that is not false I swear,
A thousand groans, but thinking on thy face,
One on another's neck, do witness bear
Thy black is fairest in my judgment's place.
In nothing art thou black save in thy deeds,
And thence this slander, as I think, proceeds.

I'm thinking heartbreak? Betrayal? He wrote about love a lot, but let's face it, things don't always work out for the better, and he might be venting through poetry. But as I said, it's all about opinion and interpretation, and I don't think anyone'll know until I get that time-machine finished. ~_^

Ohh Shakespeare... what can I say but:

Fear no more the heat o' the sun,
Nor the furious winter's rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages:
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.

Fear no more the frown o' the great;
Thou art past the tyrant's stroke:
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The sceptre, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust.

Fear no more the lightning-flash,
Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash;
Thou hast finish'd joy and moan:
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.

No exerciser harm thee!
Nor no witchcraft charm thee!
Ghost unlaid forbear thee!
Nothing will come near thee!
Quiet consummation have;
And renowned be thy grave!
(Cymbeline, IV, 2)

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@Aliana Dawne: Then take me with your time machine. I'd love to join you.
I've been to the Globe last year. It was really fascinating. I can post some of my pics of the Globe if you wish to see them.

@ethelfleda: Sure you can join. I'll add you to the memberlist at once.
Welcome to the club! And very interesting posts!

@Eä: Welcome to the club as well! And great poem you've posted. I think I've never read it before.


Wow, all you guys have posted so many great poems/sonnets. I have a book with all sonnets, but I think I really need to buy a book containing all of Shakespeare's work.
And I agree with you that Shakespeare is so fascinating because he really understood human nature and his literature has lost non of its value even today. I think that can't be said of many writers. Plus, I really love the variety of interpretations each piece offers you.

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Wow, forgive me it took me two years to reply...My favorite? So far its between Macbeth and Hamlet. =) I actually got to be Macbeth when we read it in class, it was very interesting. His character, I love the depth of it and the sad story as well...It is kind of a weird tale, but thats our William for us.

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I would like to join! Especially since my name is from one of Shakespeare's plays...

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