In William Shakespeare's sonnet number one hundred and forty-nine there is a
             very clear case of unrequited love. In a somber tone he outlines the ways in
             which he selflessly served his beloved only to be cruelly rejected. His
             confusion about the relationship is apparent as he reflects upon his behavior
             and feelings towards her. This poem appears to be written to bring closure to
             the relationship, but it could be argued that this poem is one final effort to
             The first twelve lines of the poem are a questions proposed by the poet
             to his beloved. The theme of these questions all lead back to his absolute
             commitment to her. The questions show a pattern of pathetic and blind devotion
             that is both sad and disheartening to the poet.
             Canst thou, O cruel, say I love thee not,
             When I against myself with thee partake?
             In these two lines Shakespeare is asking is she can deny his love for her when
             she knows that aganist his better judgment, he always he takes her side. In
             doing this he gives her total control over him. On the other hand, he is
             calling her ÒO cruelÓ which indicates that he may now see through her uncaring
             ways. Similarly he goes on to ask her:Do I not think on thee when I forgot
             Am of myself, all tyrant, for thy sake?
             This question can be paraphrased to mean: ÒAm I not thinking of you when I
             forget myself for your sake, tyrant as you are?Ó(Rowse 309) Here again he asks
             her if she can deny his devotion even though she has acted terribly. The fact
             that the poet can now see that she is treating him poorly and cruelly indicates
             progress from where he claims to have been in the past.
             The poetÕs level of devotion increases with the next line of
             questioning which confronts his willingness to shun those whom she finds
             displeasing. Who hateth thee that I do call my friend;
             On whom frown'st that I do fawn upon?
             From these questions it becomes evident that his actions are not jus...