Sonnet 73 - William Shakespeare That time of year thou mayst in me behold When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang Upon those boughs which shake against the cold, Bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang. In me thou seest the twilight of such day smile I As after sunsel fadelh in the west, Which by and by black night doth take away, Death's second self, that seals up all in rest. in me thou seest the glowing of such fire That on the ashes of his youth doth lie, As the deathbed whereon it must expire, Consumed with that which it was nourished by. This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong. To love that well which thou must leave ere long. Refer to lines 8-12 ('Death's secood self ... was nounstied by'). Give ONE word which best describes the speaker'ssstate of mind in these lines. Substantiate your answer Identify the speaker's tone in the third quatrain. Discuss the theme of death as it is avident in this poem. The couplat is a fitting conclusion to this sonnet. Discuss your view. Tota

Let's break down your request regarding Shakespeare's Sonnet 73 step by step. ### 1. One Word Describing the Speaker's State of Mind (Lines 8-12) **Word:** Resigned **Substantiation:** In these lines, the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death and the transient nature of life. The phrase "Death's second self" suggests a recognition of the approaching end, while "consumed with that which it was nourished by" indicates a sense of acceptance of this cycle. The speaker acknowledges that life, like a fire, is sustained by its own energy but ultimately must extinguish. This acceptance conveys a resigned state of mind, as the speaker comes to terms with the reality of mortality. ### 2. Speaker's Tone in the Third Quatrain The tone in the third quatrain can be described as **reflective and somber**. The speaker contemplates the imagery of fire and ashes, symbolizing the remnants of youth and vitality. The use of words like "deathbed" and "expire" evokes a sense of finality and loss. However, there is also a hint of warmth in the acknowledgment of love, suggesting that even in the face of death, there is a deep appreciation for the experiences and emotions that have been shared. ### 3. Theme of Death in the Poem The theme of death is central to Sonnet 73. Throughout the poem, Shakespeare uses various metaphors—such as the changing seasons, twilight, and fire—to illustrate the inevitability of aging and mortality. The imagery of "yellow leaves" and "bare ruined choirs" evokes a sense of decay and loss, while the reference to "black night" taking away the day symbolizes the finality of death. The speaker's reflections on life’s transience serve to highlight the importance of love and connection, suggesting that acknowledging death can deepen one’s appreciation for life and relationships. ### 4. The Couplet as a Fitting Conclusion The couplet, "This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong. / To love that well which thou must leave ere long," serves as a poignant conclusion to the sonnet. It encapsulates the essence of the poem by suggesting that the awareness of mortality enhances the value of love. The speaker implies that understanding the fleeting nature of life intensifies the emotions and connections we share with others. This conclusion reinforces the idea that love is not only a source of joy but also a profound response to the inevitability of loss, making it a fitting and powerful ending to the sonnet. ### Summary In summary, the speaker's state of mind can be described as resigned, with a reflective and somber tone in the third quatrain. The theme of death is prevalent throughout the poem, emphasizing the transient nature of life and the importance of love. The couplet effectively concludes the sonnet by highlighting how the awareness of mortality can strengthen love.