Sonnet 116

The question of marriage is present from the first line with the “impediments” (Line 2) mentioned signifying barriers that would prevent true love from flourishing. However, this word also refers to potential obstacles to matrimony, referencing the moment during a marriage ceremony when there is a call for any objections to a union. The references to marriage create an expectation that this sonnet might be written for a muse. However, the reference to a marital union is used in a symbolic sense, eschewing the language of friendship that would be more conventional when discussing the connection between two men. With “marriage of true minds” becoming more of a figurative joining, rather than a literal marriage, the word increases the emotional depths of the love being described here, showing that a deep, loving friendship can be just as important or valuable as a traditional marriage.

Shakespeare is quick to mention “mind” (Line 1) and demonstrate that this union does not need to be recognized by society or connected to the flesh in order to be transcendent and meaningful. It also implies that there is no need for a sexual consummation for spiritual love to flourish; this ‘marriage’ could be a deep friendship or soulmate bond.