The mood of Sonnet 18, often referred to by its opening line, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?,” is primarily one of admiration and love. Throughout the poem, Shakespeare expresses a deep affection for the subject, celebrating their beauty and eternal nature.
The poem starts with a tone of contemplation, as the speaker considers how to best compare their beloved to a summer’s day. However, as the sonnet progresses, the mood shifts to one of praise and exaltation. The speaker highlights the fleeting nature of summer, pointing out that it can be unpredictable and eventually comes to an end.
In contrast, the beloved’s beauty is portrayed as everlasting, suggesting that it transcends the temporary beauty of nature. The mood shifts again in the final couplet, where the speaker assures that through his poetry, the beloved’s beauty will live on forever. This suggests a sense of triumph and immortality.
In summary, the mood of Sonnet 18 oscillates between admiration, contemplation, and ultimately, a victorious celebration of eternal beauty.