William Shakespeare – Sonnet 29 | When in Disgrace with Fortune and Men’s Eyes | Summary, Analysis & Themes

William Shakespeare – Sonnet 29

“When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes”

Sonnet 29, written around 1592–1595 and published in 1609, explores the poet’s despair, envy, and spiritual renewal through love. It is one of Shakespeare’s most personal and emotional sonnets, capturing the transition from isolation to joy, from worldly failure to inner wealth through affection. The sonnet’s central message: *true love restores self-worth even when the world rejects you.*

About the Poem

• Title: Sonnet 29 – “When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes”
• Poet: William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
• Form: English (Shakespearean) Sonnet – 14 lines in iambic pentameter
• Rhyme Scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
• Theme: From despair to joy through love; self-worth restored by emotional richness

Text of the Sonnet

When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself, and curse my fate,

Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;

Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate;

For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

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Line-by-Line Explanation

Lines 1–4:

“When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes, / I all alone beweep my outcast state…”
The speaker feels *abandoned by luck and society*. He laments his low position, “weeping” over his misfortune and “troubling deaf heaven” with unanswered prayers. He feels *isolated and cursed*, a man rejected by both destiny and human favour.

Lines 5–8:

“Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, / Featured like him, like him with friends possessed…”
In envy, he wishes he had others’ talents, beauty, and social success. He desires “this man’s art” (skill) and “that man’s scope” (opportunity), revealing his *spiritual poverty*. Even his own joys give him no satisfaction — “With what I most enjoy contented least.”

Lines 9–10:

“Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising, / Haply I think on thee…”
At his lowest moment, he remembers *the beloved*, and that thought transforms his heart. The word “haply” means “by chance” — implying that love unexpectedly lifts him from despair.

Lines 11–12:

“Like to the lark at break of day arising / From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate.”
The simile compares his soul to a *lark* rising from darkness to sing in joy. This powerful image symbolizes *spiritual rebirth, light, and transcendence through love.*

Lines 13–14 (Couplet):

“For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings / That then I scorn to change my state with kings.”
The poem concludes triumphantly — love gives such *inner wealth and peace* that even a king’s riches seem worthless. The transformation is complete: despair → gratitude → joy.

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Structure and Tone

• The first *eight lines (octave)* express envy, sadness, and inferiority.
• The *last six lines (sestet)* bring renewal and joy through love.
• The shift (volta) occurs at *line 9*, marked by “Yet”.
• The tone changes from *melancholy* to *exultant*.

Key Themes

• Despair and Isolation: The poet’s spiritual and emotional loneliness.
• Self-doubt and Envy: Comparison with others causes discontent.
• Redemption through Love: Memory of love renews faith and purpose.
• Wealth Beyond Materialism: Emotional fulfillment surpasses worldly success.
• Spiritual Transformation: From darkness to light, symbolized by the rising lark.

Poetic Devices

• Metaphor: “The lark at break of day” for spiritual rebirth.
• Personification: “Deaf heaven” symbolizes unresponsive fate.
• Alliteration: “Sing hymns at heaven’s gate.”
• Contrast: Between despair (first half) and joy (second half).
• Imagery: Vivid pictures of isolation, prayer, dawn, and song.

Interpretation and Significance

• This sonnet reflects *human vulnerability* and the *healing power of love*.
• It suggests that spiritual or emotional love restores meaning when material success fails.
• Exam-wise, it is crucial for its *emotional transition, **use of contrast, and **positive resolution*.

Quick Revision Table

Aspect	Details
Poem	Sonnet 29 – “When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes”
Poet	William Shakespeare
Form	English (Shakespearean) Sonnet
Rhyme Scheme	ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
Major Themes	Despair, Envy, Redemption, Love, Spiritual Wealth
Famous Lines	“Haply I think on thee.” / “Like to the lark at break of day.” / “I scorn to change my state with kings.”
Tone	Melancholy → Joyful → Triumphant
Message	True love brings inner richness greater than worldly success.

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