Sonnet 147

William Shakespeare

My love is as a fever longing still,

For that which longer nurseth the disease;

Feeding on that which doth preserve the ill,

The uncertain sickly appetite to please.

My reason, the physician to my love,

Angry that his prescriptions are not kept,

Hath left me, and I desperate now approve

Desire is death, which physic did except.

Past cure I am, now Reason is past care,

And frantic-mad with evermore unrest;

My thoughts and my discourse as madmen’s are,

At random from the truth vainly expressed;

For I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright,

Who art as black as hell, as dark as night.

William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 147, titled “My Love Is As a Fever, Longing Still,” is a profound exploration of love, desire, reason, and the inner turmoil experienced by the speaker. This 14-line poem is part of Shakespeare’s collection of 154 sonnets, which are known for their rich language, emotional depth, and exploration of complex themes. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem’s structure, language, imagery, and themes to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.

Sonnet Structure: Sonnet 147 follows the traditional Shakespearean or English sonnet form, consisting of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) followed by a final rhymed couplet (two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme of this sonnet is ABABCDCDEFEFGG.

Overall Meaning: The poem begins with the speaker comparing his love to a fever that continues to torment him. He describes how this love feeds on the very things that sustain it, creating an insatiable appetite. The speaker acknowledges that his reason, symbolized as a physician trying to cure his love, has given up because the patient (his love) is not following the prescribed treatment. Consequently, the speaker finds himself in a state of desperation, realizing that desire itself can be deadly. He concludes by contrasting his initial idealized perception of the beloved with the current, harsh reality – the beloved is now seen as dark and black as hell.

Detailed Analysis:

Quatrain 1 (Lines 1-4): “My love is as a fever, longing still For that which longer nurseth the disease; Feeding on that which doth preserve the sill, The uncertain sickly appetite to please.”

In the opening quatrain, the speaker introduces the central metaphor of the poem: love as a fever. This feverish love is described as “longing still,” indicating a persistent and unrelenting desire. The paradox here is that the more the speaker longs for his beloved, the more the feverish love grows. It “nurseth the disease” by sustaining and exacerbating the speaker’s suffering. The love “feeds on that which doth preserve the sill,” suggesting that it thrives on the very things that should soothe or cure it. This paradoxical nature of love is further highlighted as it tries to please an “uncertain sickly appetite,” emphasizing the fickle and unpredictable nature of desire.

Quatrain 2 (Lines 5-8): “My reason, the physician to my love, Angry that his prescriptions are not kept, Hath left me, and I desperate now approve Desire is death, which physic did except.”

In the second quatrain, the speaker introduces the idea of reason as a physician who has been trying to cure his love. However, reason is now “angry” because its prescriptions, or advice, have not been followed by the speaker’s heart. The consequence is that reason has abandoned the speaker, leaving him “desperate.” In this state of desperation, the speaker comes to a grim realization that desire itself can be lethal. He states that “Desire is death,” suggesting that excessive longing and desire can lead to one’s downfall, even though it was supposed to be the cure for the initial affliction.

Quatrain 3 (Lines 9-12): “Past cure I am, now reason is past care, And frantic-mad with evermore unrest; My thoughts and my discourse as madmen’s are, At random from the truth vainly express’d;”

In the third quatrain, the speaker acknowledges the hopelessness of his situation. He is “past cure,” and reason is no longer concerned about him. The speaker’s emotional state is characterized by being “frantic-mad” and constantly restless. His thoughts and speech are described as resembling those of madmen, lacking coherence and rationality. The speaker’s desperate longing for his beloved has driven him to a point of mental and emotional chaos.

Couplet (Lines 13-14): “For I have sworn thee fair and thought thee bright, Who art as black as hell, as dark as night.”

In the final couplet, the speaker contrasts his initial perception of the beloved with the current reality. He had previously idealized the beloved, swearing that they were fair and bright. However, now he sees the beloved as “black as hell, as dark as night.” This shift in perception reflects the disillusionment and bitterness that the speaker feels. The use of contrasting imagery – light and dark – emphasizes the stark difference between his idealized vision of love and the harsh truth.

Themes:

1. Love and Desire: The central theme of the poem is love and desire. The speaker’s love is portrayed as a feverish, insatiable longing that consumes him. He grapples with the destructive power of desire and how it can lead to disillusionment and despair.
2. Reason vs. Emotion: The poem explores the conflict between reason and emotion. The speaker’s reason, personified as a physician, tries to cure his love but ultimately abandons him when the irrationality of desire prevails.
3. Disillusionment: The poem highlights the theme of disillusionment as the speaker’s idealized perception of his beloved gives way to a harsher, more realistic view. This disillusionment is symbolized by the contrast between light and dark in the final couplet.
4. Mental Turmoil: The poem conveys a sense of mental and emotional turmoil as the speaker’s love drives him to madness and desperation. His thoughts and speech become disjointed and irrational.
5. Paradox of Desire: The poem underscores the paradoxical nature of desire – how it both sustains and destroys the lover. Desire keeps the speaker longing for his beloved but also leads to his downfall.

Language and Imagery:

Shakespeare employs rich language and imagery to convey the depth of the speaker’s emotions and the complexity of love. The use of metaphor, personification, and contrasting imagery helps to create a vivid and emotionally charged portrayal of the speaker’s inner turmoil.

• Metaphor of Love as a Fever: The central metaphor of love as a fever runs throughout the poem, emphasizing the consuming and feverish nature of the speaker’s emotions.
• Personification of Reason: Reason is personified as a physician who attempts to cure the speaker’s love but ultimately abandons him in frustration.
• Contrasting Imagery: The contrast between the speaker’s initial perception of the beloved as “fair and bright” and the current view of the beloved as “black as hell, as dark as night” serves to highlight the theme of disillusionment.
• Medical Imagery: The poem uses medical terminology and imagery, such as “prescriptions,” “physic,” and “past cure,” to convey the idea of love as an ailment or affliction.
• Madness Imagery: The poem employs imagery associated with madness, describing the speaker’s thoughts and speech as “frantic-mad” and “at random,” reinforcing the idea of emotional turmoil.

In conclusion, Shakespeare’s Sonnet 147, “My Love Is As a Fever, Longing Still,” offers a profound exploration of the complexities of love, desire, and reason. The poem takes the reader on a journey through the speaker’s emotional turmoil, from the feverish longing of love to the disillusionment and bitterness that follow. Through vivid language, metaphor, and contrasting imagery, Shakespeare masterfully conveys the inner conflict and mental turmoil experienced by the speaker, ultimately leaving the reader with a poignant reflection on the unpredictable and often destructive nature of desire.

FAQs

1. What is the central metaphor in Sonnet 147, and how does it shape the poem’s emotional landscape? In the tender tapestry of words, Shakespeare weaves a feverish metaphor of love, casting it as a relentless affliction that courses through the veins of the soul, inflaming desire with each passing moment. This metaphor serves as the heartbeat of the poem, infusing it with a passionate and feverish tone.
2. How does Shakespeare depict the paradoxical nature of love in this sonnet? Within the verses, the Bard deftly portrays love as a paradox, a fever that both sustains and devours the lover. It is a fire that feeds on the very sustenance meant to quench its flames, creating an insatiable hunger for the unattainable.
3. What role does reason play in the poem, and how does it contribute to the speaker’s emotional turmoil? Reason, personified as a caring physician, endeavors to mend the broken heart. However, its prescriptions, like fragile promises, go unheeded, leaving the speaker in a desperate state of emotional disarray.
4. How does Shakespeare convey the sense of desperation in the poem? The verses echo with the cries of desperation as the speaker’s reason abandons him, leaving him in a void of despair. This emotional landscape is painted with strokes of longing and torment, plunging the reader into the depths of the speaker’s anguish.
5. What is the significance of the line “Desire is death, which physic did except” in the context of the poem? In this line, Shakespeare reveals the stark truth that desire, once seen as a remedy, can become the very poison that leads to one’s downfall. It’s a poignant reflection on the irony of love, where what was meant to heal becomes the instrument of destruction.
6. How does the poem illustrate the conflict between reason and emotion? The poem vividly illustrates the eternal struggle between reason and emotion, where the heart’s wild desires often defy the rational mind’s attempts to impose order. It’s a timeless battle that resonates deeply with anyone who has grappled with the turbulence of love.
7. What is the significance of the final couplet in Sonnet 147? The final couplet serves as a dramatic culmination of the speaker’s emotional journey. It starkly contrasts the idealized perception of the beloved with the stark reality, underscoring the theme of disillusionment and the transformative power of love’s harsh truths.
8. How does Shakespeare employ contrasting imagery in the poem, specifically the contrast between light and dark? Through the juxtaposition of light and dark imagery in the final couplet, Shakespeare paints a vivid picture of the speaker’s shifting perceptions. It illuminates the stark difference between the initial idealization of love and the subsequent revelation of its darker, more painful facets.
9. How does Shakespeare use medical terminology and imagery in Sonnet 147? The Bard employs a rich tapestry of medical imagery, with phrases like “prescriptions,” “physic,” and “past cure.” These medical metaphors transform the poem into an emotional operating theater, where love is both the ailment and the elusive cure.
10. What emotions are evoked by the description of the speaker’s thoughts and speech as “frantic-mad” and “at random”? These descriptors evoke a sense of emotional chaos and turmoil. The speaker’s thoughts and words are no longer guided by reason but are untethered, reflecting the tumultuous state of his heart.
11. How does the poem resonate with the theme of disillusionment? Sonnet 147 resonates deeply with the theme of disillusionment, as it portrays the painful transformation of the speaker’s perception of the beloved from an idealized vision to a harsh reality. It’s a journey from the intoxication of love to the sobering truth.
12. What does the metaphor of the physician in the poem symbolize? The metaphor of the physician symbolizes reason’s attempt to heal the wounds of love. However, it also represents the limitations of reason in the face of overwhelming emotional forces.
13. Why does the speaker describe his love as “frantic-mad with evermore unrest”? This description encapsulates the speaker’s profound emotional turmoil. His love has driven him to a state of frenzied madness, marked by perpetual restlessness and longing.
14. How does Shakespeare’s use of language and imagery contribute to the emotional depth of the poem? Shakespeare’s masterful use of language and imagery immerses the reader in the rich emotional landscape of the poem. His words are like brushstrokes on a canvas, painting a vivid portrait of the speaker’s inner world.
15. What is the significance of the word “desire” in the poem? The word “desire” serves as a powerful focal point in the poem, embodying both the source of the speaker’s torment and the ultimate realization that it can lead to his downfall.
16. How does the poem capture the timeless and universal struggle of love and desire? Shakespeare’s Sonnet 147 captures the timeless and universal struggle of love and desire by delving into the depths of human emotions and portraying the eternal conflict between the heart and the mind.
17. What emotions are evoked by the contrast between the speaker’s initial perception of the beloved and the reality described in the final couplet? The contrast evokes a profound sense of disappointment, disillusionment, and bitterness. It’s a stark shift from the speaker’s idealized vision of love to a harsh, unvarnished truth.
18. What does the final couplet reveal about the transformative power of love? The final couplet reveals that love has the power to transform perceptions. It demonstrates how love can change something once seen as beautiful and radiant into something dark and forbidding.
19. How does the poem convey the idea that love’s intensity can border on madness? The poem conveys this idea through its depiction of the speaker’s emotional state as “frantic-mad.” It suggests that the depths of love can push a person to the brink of irrationality.
20. In what ways does Sonnet 147 exemplify the timeless and enduring nature of Shakespeare’s exploration of human emotions? Sonnet 147 stands as a testament to Shakespeare’s ability to plumb the depths of human emotions in a way that continues to resonate with readers across the ages. Its themes of love, desire, disillusionment, and emotional turmoil are as relevant today as they were in Shakespeare’s time, making it a timeless masterpiece of poetic expression.

Then said Almitra, Speak to us of Love.

     And he raised his head and looked upon

the people, and there fell a stillness upon

them. And with a great voice he said:

     When love beckons to you, follow him,

     Though his ways are hard and steep.

     And when his wings enfold you yield to him,

     Though the sword hidden among his

pinions may wound you.

     And when he speaks to you believe in him,

     Though his voice may shatter your dreams

as the north wind lays waste the garden.

     For even as love crowns you so shall he

crucify you. Even as he is for your growth

so is he for your pruning.

     Even as he ascends to your height and

caresses your tenderest branches that quiver

in the sun,

     So shall he descend to your roots and

shake them in their clinging to the earth.

                                       •

     Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto

himself.

     He threshes you to make you naked.

     He sifts you to free you from your husks.

     He grinds you to whiteness.

     He kneads you until you are pliant;

     And then he assigns you to his sacred

fire, that you may become sacred bread for

God’s sacred feast.

     All these things shall love do unto you

that you may know the secrets of your

heart, and in that knowledge become a

fragment of Life’s heart.

     But if in your fear you would seek only

love’s peace and love’s pleasure,

     Then it is better for you that you cover

your nakedness and pass out of love’s

threshing-floor,

     Into the seasonless world where you

shall laugh, but not all of your laughter,

and weep, but not all of your tears.

                                      •

     Love gives naught but itself and takes

naught but from itself.

     Love possesses not nor would it be

possessed;

     For love is sufficient unto love.

     When you love you should not say,

“God is in my heart,” but rather, “I am

in the heart of God.”

     And think not you can direct the course

of love, for love, if it finds you worthy,

directs your course.

     Love has no other desire but to fulfil

itself.

     But if you love and must needs have

desires, let these be your desires:

     To melt and be like a running brook

that sings its melody to the night.

     To know the pain of too much tenderness.

     To be wounded by your own under-

standing of love;

     And to bleed willingly and joyfully.

     To wake at dawn with a winged heart

and give thanks for another day of loving;

     To rest at the noon hour and meditate

love’s ecstasy;

     To return home at eventide with gratitude;

     And then to sleep with a prayer for the

beloved in your heart and a song of praise

upon your lips.

Kahlil Gibran’s poem “On Love” is a profound exploration of the complexities and transformative power of love. In this poem, the prophet Almustafa responds to a request to speak about love. He imparts his wisdom on the nature of love, its demands, and its ultimate purpose. The poem is rich in metaphor and symbolism, inviting readers to delve deeply into its layers of meaning. In this analysis, we will break down the poem stanza by stanza, exploring its themes, metaphors, and philosophical insights.

Stanza 1: “Then said Almitra, Speak to us of Love. And he raised his head and looked upon the people, and there fell a stillness upon them. And with a great voice he said:”

The poem begins with Almitra, a character who often serves as a listener and questioner in Gibran’s work, asking Almustafa (the Prophet) to speak about love. Almustafa, who possesses wisdom and insight, agrees to share his thoughts on this profound subject. The stillness that falls upon the people signifies the reverence and anticipation surrounding his words.

Stanza 2: “When love beckons to you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden.”

Here, Almustafa advises that when love calls, one should follow, even if love’s path is challenging and steep. Love’s embrace might hurt or wound, but one should still yield to it. Love’s words might shatter dreams, much like the harsh north wind can devastate a garden. This stanza emphasizes the idea that love is not always gentle or easy; it can be tumultuous and disruptive.

Stanza 3: “For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning. Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun, So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.”

Here, Almustafa compares love to both a crown and a crucifixion, suggesting that it can elevate and humble a person simultaneously. Love is described as a force that nurtures growth but also necessitates pruning. It touches the heights of one’s being and the depths of their roots, challenging their attachment to the material world.

Stanza 4: “Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself He threshes you to make your naked. He sifts you to free you from your husks. He grinds you to whiteness. He kneads you until you are pliant; And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God’s sacred feast.”

In this stanza, love is depicted as a farmer harvesting and processing wheat. Love gathers individuals like sheaves of corn and then subjects them to a series of transformative experiences: threshing, sifting, grinding, and kneading. These actions symbolize the process of refining and purifying the soul. The end result is that individuals become sacred offerings for a divine purpose, akin to becoming “sacred bread” for God’s feast. This underscores the idea that love is a transformative and spiritually enriching force.

Stanza 5: “All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life’s heart.”

Here, Almustafa explains that the trials and tribulations imposed by love are meant to reveal the secrets of one’s heart. Through these experiences, individuals gain self-awareness and become connected to the greater “heart” of life itself. Love, in its transformative nature, helps individuals discover their true selves and their place in the broader tapestry of existence.

Stanza 6: “But if in your heart you would seek only love’s peace and love’s pleasure, Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love’s threshing-floor, Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.”

This stanza advises that if one seeks only the tranquil and pleasurable aspects of love and wishes to avoid its challenges and transformations, it is better to retreat from love’s threshing-floor. The “seasonless world” represents a realm of emotional and spiritual stagnation where one experiences only partial joy and partial sorrow. This passage underscores the idea that genuine love requires a willingness to embrace both its joys and its pains.

Stanza 7: “Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; For love is sufficient unto love.”

Here, Almustafa explains that love is self-sustaining and self-giving. Love is not concerned with ownership or possession; it simply exists to express itself. Love, in its pure form, is self-sufficient and doesn’t seek anything beyond the act of loving. This stanza emphasizes the unselfish and altruistic nature of true love.

Stanza 8: “When you love you should not say, “God is in my heart,” but rather, “I am in the heart of God.” And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.”

In this stanza, Almustafa urges that when one loves, they should not claim that God resides within them. Instead, they should acknowledge that they are within the heart of God. This implies a sense of humility and recognition of the divine nature of love. Furthermore, Almustafa emphasizes that love cannot be controlled or directed by human will. Instead, if one is deemed worthy, love itself guides and shapes the course of their life.

Stanza 9: “Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully.”

Here, Almustafa clarifies that love’s primary purpose is to fulfill itself, indicating that love seeks its own expression and realization. However, if one must have desires related to love, they should aspire to be like a flowing brook that sings in the night—a symbol of harmonious and joyful expression. They should also seek to understand and experience the pain that can come from excessive tenderness and sensitivity. Additionally, they should be willing to be wounded by their own deep understanding of love and be prepared to bleed joyfully, signifying a willingness to endure love’s trials and tribulations.

Stanza 10: “To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving; To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy; To return home at eventide with gratitude; And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.”

In the final stanza, Almustafa describes the ideal state of being in love. It involves waking up with a heart filled with joy and gratitude for another day of loving. It includes moments of reflection and meditation on love’s ecstasy during the day. At the end of the day, there should be a return home with a heart full of gratitude. The poem concludes with the idea that one should sleep with a prayer for their beloved and a song of praise on their lips, signifying the enduring and continuous nature of love’s expression.

In conclusion, Kahlil Gibran’s poem “On Love” is a profound exploration of love’s multifaceted nature. It portrays love as both a source of joy and pain, a force of transformation, and a connection to the divine. Through rich metaphors and symbolism, the poem imparts wisdom on how to embrace and understand love in all its complexity. It encourages readers to not only seek the pleasures of love but also to accept its challenges and transformations, for it is in the journey of love that one truly discovers the secrets of the heart and their place in the grand tapestry of existence.

FAQs About Kahlil Gibran’s Poem “On Love”

1. What is the central theme of Kahlil Gibran’s poem “On Love”?

The central theme of the poem is the multifaceted nature of love, emphasizing its transformative power and the need to embrace both its joys and challenges.

2. Who is Almitra, and why does she request Almustafa to speak about love?

Almitra is a character in Gibran’s work who asks Almustafa (the Prophet) to speak about love. She serves as a listener and questioner, and her request sets the poem in motion.

3. What does the stillness that falls upon the people in the poem symbolize?

The stillness that descends upon the people symbolizes the reverence and anticipation surrounding Almustafa’s words, signifying the importance of the topic.

4. How does the poem describe the nature of love’s call and its challenges?

The poem suggests that love’s call can be demanding and difficult to follow, often leading to both joy and pain. Love’s path is described as steep and its embrace may hurt, but one should yield to it nonetheless.

5. What do the metaphors of the sword hidden among love’s pinions and the north wind symbolize?

These metaphors signify that love can be both protective and destructive. Love may wound or challenge individuals in ways they don’t expect, just as the north wind can devastate a garden.

6. What is the significance of comparing love to both a crown and a crucifixion in the poem?

This comparison illustrates that love can elevate and humble individuals simultaneously. It’s a transformative force that nurtures growth but also demands pruning and self-sacrifice.

7. How does the poem depict the transformative process of love?

Love is likened to a farmer’s actions on wheat, including gathering, threshing, sifting, grinding, and kneading. These actions symbolize the refining and purifying process that love subjects individuals to, ultimately making them sacred.

8. What does the phrase “sacred bread for God’s sacred feast” signify?

This phrase emphasizes that the transformative process of love prepares individuals to serve a divine purpose, contributing to a larger, sacred experience.

9. What is the connection between love, self-discovery, and becoming a fragment of Life’s heart?

Love’s trials and challenges lead to self-discovery, allowing individuals to understand their innermost secrets. This understanding connects them to the broader “heart” of life itself.

10. What does the poem suggest about those who seek only the pleasurable aspects of love?

It advises that those who seek only love’s peace and pleasure without embracing its challenges may exist in a “seasonless world” of partial emotions and experiences.

11. What is the significance of the statement, “Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself”?

This statement underscores the self-sufficiency and altruistic nature of genuine love. Love is not concerned with possession or gain; it exists purely to express itself.

12. What does Almustafa mean when he says, “I am in the heart of God”?

This phrase reflects a sense of humility and recognition that one is part of a larger, divine love. It emphasizes the idea that love transcends individual egos.

13. How does the poem convey the idea that love cannot be controlled or directed?

It suggests that love, if it finds an individual worthy, will guide and shape their life’s course. Love is depicted as an autonomous force that acts upon individuals.

14. What is the significance of aspiring to “melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night”?

This aspiration signifies a desire for harmonious and joyful expression of love, akin to the natural flow of a brook’s music.

15. What is meant by “the pain of too much tenderness” in the poem?

This phrase refers to the idea that love can be so profound and tender that it may bring emotional pain or vulnerability, but it is a valuable aspect of love’s experience.

16. Why should one be willing to be wounded by their own understanding of love, according to the poem?

Being wounded by one’s own understanding of love suggests a willingness to endure the challenges and sacrifices that come with love, embracing its transformative power.

17. How does the poem describe the ideal state of being in love at different times of the day?

It paints a picture of waking with gratitude, meditating on love’s ecstasy, returning home with gratitude, and ending the day with a prayer for the beloved and a song of praise.

18. What does the poem convey about the continuous and enduring nature of love?

The poem suggests that love is an ongoing journey and experience, something that should be embraced and celebrated at all times of the day.

19. What message does the poem ultimately convey about the nature and purpose of love?

The poem emphasizes that love is a transformative force that leads to self-discovery and connection to the divine. It encourages embracing love in all its facets, including its challenges, as a path to greater understanding and fulfillment.

20. How does Kahlil Gibran use metaphors and symbolism throughout the poem to convey his message about love?

Throughout the poem, Gibran uses metaphors like the farmer and the wheat, the crown and crucifixion, and the running brook to symbolize different aspects of love’s nature and its impact on individuals. These metaphors add depth and layers of meaning to the poem, inviting readers to explore and contemplate the profound themes of love and transformation.