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Melanie Tang

White

AP English Literature/Composition

17 Nov. 2021

Our Worth

In “Sonnet 60” by William Shakespeare, portrays the theme: although life ends, the

things people value will be passed on and be valuable for someone else as a form of

remembrance. The speaker demonstrates the theme through the usage of personification, simile,

and diction. Line 1-2: “waves...towards the pebbl'd shore...minutes hasten to their end” shows

the use of a simile; the “waves” are compared to “minutes” while “pebbl’d shore” is compared to

“their end.” The relationship between waves and minutes shows the progression of nature. The

speaker conveys their message through directly stating that everything comes to “their end” as in

“minutes hasten” as time goes on; “their end” means achieving a goal, reaching a milestone in

life. Since “waves” do not actually “end”, the usage of “waves” just shows the connection

between life and people’s accomplishments. Then, the speaker describes that youth does on last

forever by stating “Nativity, once in the main of light,” (line 5). The speaker intends that

"nativity” was once the main spotlight, but as time passes humans “Crawls to maturity...” (line

6). People may not realize it, but humans have a limited lifespan from the moment they mature

from their youthful years. “...wherewith being crown’d” (line 6) means achieving one’s dream

someday. The usage of “crown’d” indicates royalty, higher status in terms of diction. But

connotatively “crown’d” can be seen as reaching the end, achieving the one’s dreams and goals

because when one is “crown’d” of something, it means a symbol of glory. Therefore, youth will
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end as people grow older, but that also means they become more knowledgeable and accomplish

many goals. Yet, the speaker transitions to “Crooked eclipses 'gainst his glory fight,” (line 7) to

show that there are hardships ahead. “Crooked eclipses” means a setback or misfortune as

eclipses are supposed to be aligned perfectly yet it is not completely covered, thus giving a

neutral connotation, hardships. Therefore, one must prepare themselves for the hardships of life.

The speaker explains how time acts with line 8: “And Time that gave doth now his gift

confound.” Once again, time is personified as “his” and the usage of “gift” further emphasizes

the concept of aging. Although “time” is what gave people life, now “time” takes away “his gift”

which surprises the speaker as they used “confound.” Since time is a gift, and that it is

“confound” then the speaker is saying that time is full of surprises. Therefore, one should not get

caught up with death –it is inevitable and must accept it. The speaker further pushes his idea of

limited time and youth on line 9: “Time doth transfix the flourish set on youth.” The denotation

of “transfix” is to cause someone to become motionless with horror or astonishment. While the

connotation of “transfix” is how astonishing “time” does to the “flourish” on youth. “Flourish”

contradicts “transfix” as it means developing in a healthy, vigorous way. Therefore, implying

that people gain all their knowledge during their youthful years, yet by the time they gain all

those knowledge and experiences they have turned old. Even if youth does not last forever, youth

should not determine one's existence in the world because the values one leaves behind proves to

people that they did exist. Additionally, personification is used during the shift of the poem. Life

is short, which is why one should not underestimate the time they have left. Since death can

happen at any time, it is important to remember that maturity builds principles. Reaching the age

of maturity teaches one to be wiser and have principles that guide them through life. The speaker
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further constructs their message on line 11: “Feeds on the rarities of nature's truth,”. Something

“feeds” rarities of “nature’s truth” likewise “time” (line 10) is personified to figuratively “eat”

the truth as in nature itself. Time feeds on the “rarities” (unique and beauty) of nature which

implies how everything will meet its end. The usage of “rarities” shows the uniqueness of

people, yet their life will end. Therefore, as long as humans create valuable and memorable

memories then people will remember them and pass their values on –imprinting their existence

in the world. Line 13: “in hope my verse shall stand” is personifying a verse: giving it a human

characteristic such as standing. The speaker is not literally saying their verse is standing but

implying that the verse will be forever lasting, it will be remembered even if time passes. So,

even if people die, their values will be passed on through others who deem those values as

important as a form of remembrance to preserve their footprint on Earth. Through maturing and

building a sense of self, people should leave behind what they value to pass on so that others can

preserve their existence. Line 14: “Praising thy worth, despite his cruel hand” personifies time.

Time is described to be a “cruel hand” thus implying the limitation of human life. Time is cruel

because at some point people die, death occurs as one matures. Maturing takes time, if time

passes then life will end. Thematically, the speaker hints their views about the passing of time

and youth. People build principles based on their life experiences and in turn they become

“wiser” in a sense that life does not revolve around them; their footprint depends on their

contribution to the world whether that means charity, innovations, intelligence, etc. In

conclusion, youth end as people matures but time should not prevent people from leaving their

values behind so people can remember them to preserve their existence and acknowledge their

great accomplishments.