Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"SONNET: 144" by William Shakespeare is a sonnet that explores the speaker's feelings of guilt and betrayal in his love affair with a woman. The poem is structured as a conversation between the speaker and a figure identified only as "the better angel," who represents the speaker's conscience.

The sonnet begins with the speaker describing his love as a "wounded snake," indicating that he knows his relationship is dangerous and destructive. He then laments that he is caught between two loves: the woman he desires, and his conscience, which tells him that his love is sinful and wrong.

As the sonnet progresses, the speaker engages in a dialogue with the "better angel," who chides him for his weakness and reminds him of the dangers of his love. The angel tells the speaker that he is "false" and "vile" for his betrayal, and urges him to turn away from his sinful desires.

Throughout the sonnet, Shakespeare employs a number of poetic devices to convey the speaker's inner turmoil and conflict. These include the use of metaphor, such as the comparison of the speaker's love to a "canker" or a "poison," as well as the use of rhetorical questions and repetition.

Ultimately, "SONNET: 144" is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human desire and the conflict between love and conscience. Through its vivid imagery and poetic language, the sonnet captures the speaker's sense of guilt and betrayal, and invites readers to reflect on their own struggles with temptation and morality.

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