Sonnet 71(LXXI) expresses bitterness, self-pity, disillusionment and cynicism of
             love and love pursued in vain. Shakespeare's predicament is not a new one,
             anyone who has experienced life can relate but there is no dignity in his words.
             Sonnet 138 (CXXXVIII) expresses none of the previous judgements on love but
             instead expresses a more grounded less tormented view. Still cynical of the
             romantics' view of love but to its reality, it is calm, even celebratory. With
             further understanding of the writer it becomes clear that this is a progression.
             >From the pain of unrequited love to the embrace of the significance of a real,
             down-to-earth, loving relationship.
             Unrequited love in this first sonnet, LXXI is apparent in both overview and in
             specific parts. This overview expresses an anxiety formed from this love not
             received. With his reference to being with the worms and later in the earth he
             tries to persuade that his love rots there too. His love neigh had a chance to be
             given, only recorded in this sonnet, a sonnet whose writer's name shall not be
             rehearsed. This leads to a disillusionment of love as a concept.
             The disillusionment is perhaps the first of these negative feelings, encompassed
             best in the first six lines. First the reader is asked not to mourn Shakespeare's
             passing anymore than the reader would have the opportunity to hear the surly,
             sullen bell. Here Shakespeare states that the intentioned reader would not attend
             his funeral, thus miss hearing the church bell's toll. The fifth and sixth lines go
             further, asking not only for no mourning but no memory of his name. This
             request in its self is unrealistic and is designed to add to this air of
             disillusionment, this disillusionment flowing on to self-pity.
             Line six continues on, stating that Shakespeare's love is so strong that he does not
             wish to hurt the orig...