Notes for Shakespeare's Sonnet 52


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Shakespeare's
Sonnet
52

1. blessed: fortunate; producing happiness.

3. survey: examine closely.

4. for blunting: i.e., for fear of blunting.

5. Therefore are feasts so solemn and so rare: for the same reason are the chief holidays of the church year (such as Christmas and Easter) so solemn and so rare.

8. captain jewels in the carcanet: main jewels in the necklace.

Infanta Isabella wearing a carcanet necklace—1579
Source:
Grand Ladies

9. chest: treasure chest.

10. wardrobe: freestanding closet.

Elizabethan style gothic wardrobe
Source:
Planet Vintage Girl

12. new unfolding his imprison'd pride: i.e., again taking out of hiding his splendid clothes which had been secured in the wardrobe.

13. scope: opportunity and justification.

14. triumph: celebrate, rejoice.