Death Unit: That time of year

"That time of year"
William Shakespeare

In this rather personal poem, Shakespeare relies heavily on the use of imagery.  Specifically, the images of autumn, and a dying fire highlight Shakespeare's declining age.

First, bare trees in fall characterize Shakespeare's approaching death.  Additionally, the absence of singing birds reflect his own decreased activity: "Upon those boughs which shake against the cold, Bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang" (Shakespeare, 966).  As once in his life he was bustling and proficient in poetry, toward the end of his life, his work slowed.

The imagery takes a slightly more violent and destructive dimension.  Shakespeare's decline comes from within.  The brighter he shined in life, the faster his life dwindled because of the ensuing ash (memories of days of grandeur).  Eventually those memories will suffocate him on his deathbed.

Most significantly, Shakespeare claims all of this to his wife who he believes is already aware.  This claim comforts him because, even though she sees these declines, she remains dedicated to him.