Sonnet 73 by William Shakespeare, what is it all about of it?

Question

I had a first mastery test 3 days ago, when I take the English paper, it was all about analysis of Sonnet 73. It ask about what it was pro founded and to whom does the sonnet speak. Well, seems I can't understand any of it i just wrote it down as one of love that having a emotional and pathetic which he turn away his love to fade.

After that I ask my friends what they wrote about the sonnet, then she tell me that it was a message to us and I was like "Oh no, it looks like I was the only one who thought it's about love."

I wanted to sure though so I want to ask your comments about Sonnet 73 even though I'm not sure of it but I would see the result tomorrow still looking to see your comment. I wonder if it's all about love or he does talk about us.

Answer 1

It's about love.  In the first 12 lines he is describing the effect of time on his physical person.  The final couplet,

"This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong,

To love that well which thou must leave ere long,"

acknowledges that his beloved loves him despite time's toll, and that makes him.  And that love is stronger because his beloved knows that death will soon part them.

(As a rule, be wary of anyone who tells you anything in Shakespeare is a "message to us."  Shakespeare didn't sermonize: it's one his finest qualities.)