Here's a closer analysis of the sonnet's mood:
1. Melancholic Reflection: The sonnet begins with a pensive and melancholic tone as the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the aging process. The words "Not marble, nor the gilded monuments" evoke a sense of somber contemplation about the futility of material possessions and achievements in the face of mortality.
2. Acceptance of Death: As the sonnet progresses, the speaker acknowledges the reality of death and its universal nature. The lines "Nor brass, nor stone, nor earth, nor boundless sea" emphasize that nothing can escape the clutches of death. This acceptance brings a sense of resignation and humility.
3. Transcendence Through Love: Despite the somber acknowledgment of mortality, the sonnet also suggests the transformative power of love. The speaker suggests that love has the ability to transcend time and preserve one's memory beyond physical existence. The lines "But your sweet remembrance, which does live in me" express a belief in the enduring nature of love and its capacity to keep the beloved alive in the heart of the speaker.
4. Hopeful Resilience: The sonnet concludes with a note of hopeful resilience. The speaker expresses a determination to resist the oblivion of time and to keep the memory of the loved one alive. The line "So long as men can breathe or eyes can see" conveys a sense of determination and the belief that love's legacy can endure through generations.
Overall, Sonnet 55 encapsulates a range of emotions, including melancholic contemplation, acceptance of death, appreciation for the power of love, and a hopeful resilience in the face of mortality.