What are some literary devices used in Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare? Is it an example of the pathetic fallacy?
- print Print
- list Cite
Expert Answers

calendarEducator since 2016
write4,273 answers
starTop subjects are Literature, History, and Social Sciences
In Sonnet 18, Shakespeare uses the extended metaphor of a summer's day to which he compares his beloved. He finds her lovely and, using a double entendre, more temperate (which has two meanings—being of a milder temperature and being more even-tempered) than a day in summer. Then, using a form of personification called pathetic fallacy, he attributes human qualities to aspects of nature. For example, he says that rough winds shake the flowers of May (as if they were human) and that summer has a lease, or a duration like that of a lease on an apartment, that is too short. He also says that heaven, or the sun, shines too hot or sometimes disappears. When the sun disappears, his (the sun's) complexion is dimmed as if he were a person. These are all examples of pathetic fallacy. Later, the poet personifies Death, who stalks people in his shade. However, his beloved's "eternal summer," a metaphor for her beauty, will not disappear, as she will live forever in the poem.
Related Questions
- What type of sonnet is William Shakespeare's Sonnet XVIII (18)?
- 1 Educator Answer
- Please explain the last two lines of "Sonnet 18" by William shakespeare.
- 1 Educator Answer
- What is the main purpose of Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare?
- 1 Educator Answer
- What is an example of personification in Sonnet 18?
- 4 Educator Answers
- What is the theme of Shakespeare's Sonnet 18?
- 3 Educator Answers

briefcaseTeacher (K-12)
calendarEducator since 2016
write6,546 answers
starTop subjects are Literature, History, and Arts
In Sonnet 18, the...
(The entire section contains 3 answers and 633 words.)
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime.

calendarEducator since 2011
write6,815 answers
starTop subjects are Literature, History, and Business