Sonnet 145- the “trivial” poem
Those lips that Love's own hand did make, Breathed forth the sound that said 'I hate', To me that languished for her sake: But when she saw my woeful state, Straight in her heart did mercy come, Chiding that tongue that ever sweet Was used in giving gentle doom; And taught it thus anew to greet; 'I hate' she altered with an end, That followed it as gentle day, Doth follow night, who like a fiend From heaven to hell is flown away. 'I hate', from hate away she threw, And saved my life, saying 'not you'.
Reflection
You may have noticed that this is the only one of Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets that does not follow iambic pentameter. The new style in which it has been written is common for comical poetry; this fact has caused it to be considered a “trivial” poem. However, the entertaining- though sorrowful- tone of this poem and its altered meter make it one that stands out among the Sonnets to those that appreciate it. Shakespeare is, in this particular sonnet, telling the story of how his lover and he once had some dispute, where she came to edge of saying, “I hate you!” In short, the first two words were out of her mouth, but at those words alone Shakespeare realized that the woman for whom he “languished” meant a great deal more to him than this dispute. When she saw his sorry expression, Shakespeare says that “straight in her heart did mercy come”. In other words, she could not stand to see him so hurt, and instead of saying “I hate you!” she says, “I hate not you.” Why is this important? This poem highlights a theme that makes the poem seem even more “trivial” to critics: “Love conquers all.”
This is a scene that plays out every day. Have you ever had an argument with a loved one, and in your anger had a stinging remark that you knew would cut that person deep if you said it? In this poem, Shakespeare’s lover faces this exact dilemma. However, she does not say it. The love that they feel for one another overcomes their anger, and her soft answer chased away his misery as day chases away night. The romance here expands beyond the love a man has for a woman; It extends to the love that a sister can have for a brother, or a father for a daughter. This mercy and compassion can be- and should be- a part of our everyday life.
Autumn Blalock
Sources:
http://www.shakespeares-sonnets.com/sonnet/145

















