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

William Shakespeare

For Thy Sweet Love Remembered

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.

William Shakespeare

(1564–1616) Humanism, Arts and Sciences

Covey, Stephen R. The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness. Free Press, 2013, p. 92 [William Shakespeare, Sonnet 29: When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes].

William Shakespeare

Theme: Friendship

Stephen R. Covey

When my father died, I decided I was going to maintain and even increase my very special relationship with my mother because of the new void in her life…. I have had the tremendous benefit of having a very supportive and understanding wife who has the “abundance mentality.” My wife, Sandra, doesn’t see life as a fixed piece of pie where there is only so much time, where time with my mother would mean time away from her. She saw that time with my mother would actually increase the depth of our own relationship.

When mother passed away, we put on her tombstone a line from Shakespeare’s 29th Sonnet: “For thy sweet love remembered, such wealth brings…” I would encourage you to read this sonnet slowly and carefully. Let your imagination fill in the richness and meaning of each phrase [Read Sonnet 29 above in Context].

William Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 29”

“Sonnet 29” by William Shakespeare, although not explicitly about friendship, can be viewed as an exploration of the theme, particularly when considering the transformative power of an intimate connection. The speaker, in a state of self-loathing and despair, is uplifted when thinking of their cherished friend. This relationship brings such joy and richness that the speaker would not trade their state for that of kings. Here, the theme of friendship is portrayed as a saving grace, a beacon of hope amidst the storm of personal crisis, underscoring the idea that true friendship provides emotional wealth surpassing material riches.

The Winter’s Tale

In “The Winter’s Tale,” Shakespeare delves deeper into the complexities of friendship through the relationship between Leontes and Polixenes. Initially, their bond is close and profound, much like the connection in “Sonnet 29.” However, Leontes’ unfounded jealousy strains their friendship, leading to disaster and tragedy. This contrast to the uplifting theme of friendship in “Sonnet 29” demonstrates that while true friendship can be a powerful source of emotional strength, it also requires trust, understanding, and proper communication to thrive.

Mose Durst, in his work, “Shakespeare’s Plays, a Study of Friendship and Love,” also emphasizes the crucial role of trust and understanding in maintaining harmonious relationships. He suggests that love and friendship in Shakespeare’s works often serve as powerful forces that can either unite or divide, depending on how characters handle their emotions and perceptions. This dynamic is observable both in “Sonnet 29” and “The Winter’s Tale.” While the speaker in the sonnet is rejuvenated by the thought of his friend, Leontes allows his paranoia to cloud his judgment, leading to the destruction of his friendship with Polixenes.

In conclusion, the theme of friendship in Shakespeare’s work is multifaceted, as seen in both “Sonnet 29” and “The Winter’s Tale.” It can bring solace and joy in times of despair, as the sonnet suggests, but it can also be tested by jealousy and misunderstanding, as shown in the play. As Durst points out, these relationships are not just about the emotions they evoke but also about the lessons they impart about trust, understanding, and proper communication. Shakespeare’s portrayal of friendship, thus, offers us a deep and nuanced understanding of this vital human connection.

For Thy Sweet Love Remembered

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