Sonnet 87 is a poignant reflection on the fragility of love and the inevitability of loss. In this sonnet, Shakespeare contemplates the limitations of human devotion, particularly in relationships marked by inequality, whether social, emotional, or personal.
Unlike the early sonnets that emphasize moral responsibility or the beauty of the youth, this poem dwells on surrender, acceptance, and the painful awareness that love sometimes ends despite sincerity and desire.
The poem resonates with the bittersweet tension of attachment and departure, presenting love as both exhilarating and inevitably ephemeral.
The Poem (Sonnet 87)
Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing,
And like enough thou know’st thy estimate,
The charter of thy worth gives thee releasing;
My bonds in thee are all determinate.
For how do I hold thee but by thy granting?
And for that riches where is my deserving?
The cause of this fair gift in me is wanting,
And so my patent back again is swerving.
Thy self thou gav’st, thy own worth then not knowing,
Or me to whom thou gav’st it, else mistaking;
So thy great gift, upon misprision growing,
Comes home again, on better judgement making.
Thus have I had thee, as a dream doth flatter,
In sleep a king, but waking no such matter.
The Bittersweet Farewell
The sonnet opens with the words “Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing,” immediately establishing a tone of sorrowful resignation. Shakespeare acknowledges the youth’s value, recognizing that his love cannot fully contain or justify the relationship. There is a sense of humility and self-awareness: the poet admits that his devotion may exceed his entitlement or capacity.
This admission frames the sonnet as a meditation on limits—how love, no matter how intense, is constrained by circumstances, social realities, or personal inadequacy. Shakespeare portrays the act of letting go as both painful and inevitable.
Love and the Question of Merit
Shakespeare then turns to the notion of merit and reciprocity. “For how do I hold thee but by thy granting? / And for that riches where is my deserving?” The poet emphasizes that love is a gift freely given, not something owed. Possession in love is conditional, dependent on consent and mutual recognition. The speaker recognizes that he cannot claim the youth as a possession; his worthiness is insufficient to demand such a bond.
This reflection elevates the poem beyond mere lamentation. It becomes a philosophical inquiry into the nature of love itself, highlighting both the generosity of the beloved and the moral restraint of the speaker. Love is not transactional, yet it requires acknowledgment and gratitude.
The Dream of Love
The sonnet’s final couplet encapsulates the paradoxical nature of desire and loss: “Thus have I had thee, as a dream doth flatter, / In sleep a king, but waking no such matter.” Shakespeare likens the experience of love to a dream—intense, vivid, and entirely real while it lasts, yet fleeting upon waking.
This imagery underscores the transient nature of human attachment. Even profound affection can be illusory, appearing grand and magnificent in imagination, only to dissolve under the pressures of reality. The poet conveys both the joy and the sorrow inherent in loving fully and yet being unable to retain what is so deeply cherished.
Themes of Sonnet 87
Sonnet 87 engages with themes of loss, impermanence, and humility. It considers the limitations of personal merit in relationships, portraying love as a gift rather than a possession. Shakespeare examines the inevitability of parting, emphasizing that acceptance and gratitude are essential components of emotional maturity.
Another theme is the dreamlike nature of idealized love. The sonnet portrays affection as powerful and transformative, yet ultimately fragile. The speaker’s awareness of this fragility allows him to experience love fully while maintaining grace in its conclusion.
Tone and Mood
The tone is reflective, sorrowful, and tender. Shakespeare writes with a quiet dignity, balancing grief with philosophical insight. The mood oscillates between the intimacy of possession and the humility of release, capturing the emotional complexity of realizing one cannot fully hold what is most precious.
Unlike sonnets of exhortation or admiration, Sonnet 87 is contemplative, offering a mature understanding of love’s limitations. Its rhythm and phrasing enhance the meditative quality, allowing the reader to feel both the depth of affection and the inevitability of separation.
Conclusion — Acceptance in Love
Sonnet 87 teaches that love is both a privilege and a responsibility, but not always a possession. Shakespeare portrays surrender and acceptance as acts of strength, emphasizing the necessity of humility and gratitude when faced with inevitable loss.
Through the imagery of dreams and the acknowledgment of merit, the sonnet illustrates that love’s fleeting moments are still valuable. Its beauty lies not only in possession but also in recognition, reflection, and the grace of letting go.