Who is credited with writing “Sonnet 116”?
Shakespeare’s sonnet 116, first published in 1609. This sonnet is the template by which modern wedding ceremonial rites are written. The poet begins by stating he should not stand in the way of true love. Love cannot be true if it changes for any reason. Love is supposed to be constant, through any difficulties. In the sixth line, a nautical reference is made, alluding that love is much like the north star to sailors. Love should not fade with time; instead, true love lasts forever. The last two lines employ a paradoxical conceit. If there is no such thing as true love, the poet says he has never written, nor that no one has ever experienced true love. However, because the poem has been written, it means the poet, ultimately, is right about true love. Sources: http://en.wikipedia.
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 was written in 1609 and is an attempt to define what love is. Sources: http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/shakesonnets/section8.
