Sonnet 57

Sonnet 57 is one of 154 sonnets written by William Shakespeare. It is part of the Fair Youth sequence, generally interpreted as being addressed to a young man of high social standing whom the speaker (presumably Shakespeare himself, or a character he constructs) admires and loves.

In Sonnet 57, the speaker expresses his complete servitude and devotion to the Fair Youth. He compares himself to a slave, bound only to await the Fair Youth's pleasure and direction. The poem explores themes of longing, subservience, and the pain of absence or neglect. The speaker emphasizes his willingness to patiently endure the Fair Youth's absence, finding his only solace in anticipating the youth's return. He asserts that he asks no questions about the Fair Youth's whereabouts or activities, content to remain ignorant and obedient, lest he appear jealous or demanding. The sonnet suggests a power dynamic where the Fair Youth holds all the control and the speaker is utterly dependent on him for happiness. The overall tone is one of humble adoration, verging on masochistic acceptance of his subservient role.