Comparison of Shakespeare's Sonnet 73 and Sonnet 116

William Shakespeare, in his Sonnet 73 and Sonnet 116, sets forth his
vision of the unchanging, persistent and immovable nature of true love.
According to Shakespeare, love is truly "till death do us part," and possibly
beyond. Physical infirmity, the ravages of age, or even one's partner's
inconstancy have no effect upon the affections of one who sincerely loves. His
notion of love is not a romantic one in which an idealized vision of a lover is
embraced. Instead he recognizes the weaknesses to which we, as humans, are
subject, but still asserts that love conquers all.

Shakespeare uses an array of figurative language to convey his message,
including metaphor and personification. Thus, in sonnet 73, he compares himself
to a grove of trees in early winter, "When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do
hang Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,..." These lines seem to
refer to an aged, balding man, bundled unsuccessfully against the weather.
Perhaps, in a ...