Shakespeare's Sonnets, Sonnet 52 summary
Sonnet 52 of 154 · 1 min to read the scene
In Sonnet 52, the speaker compares seeing the absent addressee to opening stored treasure, arguing that rare access preserves the pleasure of each encounter. Separation becomes a way to make reunion especially joyful, while the addressee gives the speaker both present happiness and hope during absence.
What happens
- The speaker compares himself to a wealthy man who limits access to his treasure to preserve its special pleasure.
- Uncommon celebrations resemble jewels spaced across a necklace rather than pleasures available every hour.
- The speaker imagines time apart as storage that conceals treasure or a splendid robe until a special occasion.
- He praises the addressee as a source of celebration in presence and hope in absence.
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In this scene
What to notice
The closing statement brings the comparisons back to the addressee. Both presence and absence offer the speaker something valuable.
Quick check
Why does the rich man avoid looking at his treasure every hour?
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