Sonnet 73 – William Shakespeare That time of year thou mayst in me behold When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang Upon those boughs which shake against the cold, Bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang - NSC English FAL - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 2

The speaker expresses sadness and resignation about aging, recognizing that life is transient and inevitable. This realization brings a sense of melancholy as they reflect on the inevitable approach of death.

The 'twilight' in the poem is a metaphor for the later stages of life, symbolizing the gradual fading of vitality and youth. It suggests a transition, where day represents life and night symbolizes death, conveying the inevitability of aging.

The imagery of fire in relation to 'the glowing of such fire' illustrates the remaining passion or essence of youth, now merely smoldering in the ashes. This symbolizes how the vibrancy of life can linger even as it approaches its end, emphasizing the transient beauty of youth.

The final couplet highlights the deeper understanding of love. It suggests that awareness of mortality enhances the appreciation of love; thus, the realization that the beloved must eventually be left behind intensifies the speaker's feelings, making love more profound and compelling.