Sonnet 10 is another of Shakespeare's procreation sonnets

Procreation sonnets

The term procreation sonnets is a name given to Shakespearean sonnets numbers I to XVII .They are referred to as the procreation sonnets because they all argue that the young man to whom they are addressed should marry and father children, hence procreate...

. Shakespeare uses a rather harsh tone to admonish the young man for his refusal to fall in love and have children.

Synopsis

The procreation theme is repeated, though for the first time a personal relationship between the poet and the youth is stated, even to the extent that the youth is asked to have a child to please the poet. The poem stresses the charm of the youth, who is much loved. The middle lines toy with imagery of political rebellion, mentioning conspiracies and destruction of houses.

External links

• Paraphrase of sonnet in modern language
• Analysis of the sonnet
• CliffsNotes on the sonnet