Analysis of Shakespeare's Sonnet 122

This sonnet is linked to sonnet 77 in many ways. Recall that in sonnet 77 the poet gave a notebook to the young man in question as a gift. The poet wanted the young man to record his younger day so that when he is old he could look back and remember the days of his youthful beauties. The notebook was to forge a bond between the individuals; it was to serve as a social function of one person's writing to the other, and probably as a medium of communication. However, it did not turned out as contemplated by the young man.

When the young man returned the favor with his gift of a book, the poet responded in the following manner, as stated in lines one and two of the sonnet: "Thy gift, thy tables, are within my brain / Full character'd with lasting memory." Additionally, the poet further stated in line number four the following words: "Beyond all dates, even to eternity." In essence the poet discarded the gift from the young man. The rejection of the notebook certainly would leave one to wonder about the bond between the two individuals, whether it is unilateral or bilateral, or was it one of a superior and inferior relationship with a class distinction.

Obviously, this is not a clear sign of any positive gesture or medium of appreciation. Returning the gift offered by a person certainly show a lack of value or one of non-appreciation. Some will argue that the real value is that which was passed on in the minds of the individuals instead of something tangible in the form of property such as a book. In essence, the poet has classified the book and the writing as replicas in his medium of communication. As such, the class dynamic in this situation is one to be considered greatly regarding its sincerity.

The theme of the poem showed the point the poet was trying to make regarding his mind. The last two lines state: "To keep an adjunct to remember thee / Were to import forgetfulness in me." Here the poet has apparently stated that his mind will be clear and fresh of the young man; one would imagine. In essence, however, the poet has also stated, "I do not need to refresh my memory of you; I want you to remember me." Apparently, the poet may not need their embedded memory to be passed on to other generations from his side. He would rather it be done from the young man's point of view.