What is William Shakespeare's 12 sonnet about?

Answer 1

Nothing lasts for ever against time. Everything falls to the power of time even beauty and love except children and that you can live on through your children. I remember thinking when i first read it that it was written by a man who worried about everything dieing and going bad but then had a child and realised that even death doesn't stop you from living, as you can live through your children. Read it and form your own opining. The beauty of Shakespeare is that it evokes emotions and thoughts of your own when reading it. Here is the modern version which i don't like to look at as it loses the beauty of Shakespeare but if it helps here it is: When I look at the clock and notice time ticking away, and see splendid day sink into hideous night; when I see the violet wilt and curly black hair turn white with age; when I see tall trees that once provided shade for herds now barren of leaves, and the summer's crops tied up and hauled to the barn as if summer itself were an old man being carried off to his grave-then I have doubts about the fate of your beauty, since you too will have to undergo the ravages of time. Sweet and beautiful creatures don't stay that way; they die as fast as they see others grow. And there's no defense against Time's destructive power, except perhaps to have children-to defy Time when he takes you away.

Answer 2

Sonnet 12 by William Shakespeare emphasizes the power of time and how it inevitably leads to the decay of beauty. The poet reflects on the passing of time and the impact it has on everything, including the beauty of youth and nature. The sonnet ultimately conveys that through verse and art, one can immortalize beauty and defy the ravages of time.