The word, "love" is defined as a deep, tender, ineffable feeling of attraction towards a person as a result of kinship, recognition of attractiveness, or an underlying sense of oneness. But, where does this emotion called "love" take us in the end? Many people today believe that love is a mystery and that the outcome of where it will lead them in the end is unknown, however, others have a more optimistic view, and they believe that love is the most valuable and strongest emotion that humans are able to experience. These more optimistic people also believe that the ultimate result of true love, in the end, is eternal happiness. In William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 116" the meaning of true love is portrayed through the creative imagery. Through the creation of metaphorical images in "Sonnet 116", Shakespeare earnestly attempts to convey an optimistic meaning of true love, one that seems nearly impossible until experienced. He does this by portraying true love as a safe, strong, and eternal emotion. .
William Shakespeare equates the meaning of true love with that of safety. He compares love to the Northern star, which guides ships to safety. This image is shown in "Sonnet 116" when Shakespeare writes, "it is the star to every wand"ring bark" (7). By creating this image of true love being like the brightest star; the Northern star, Shakespeare is portraying that true love is the brightest emotion and when one is wrapped in the arms of true love, one will always feel safe and secure. Not only will one feel safe and secure in the arms of true love, one will also always be guided to safety when in danger or in need. True love rescues people from danger, grief, anger, and need, saving them from these traps. By being the brightest emotion, true love keeps people safe and secure from all forces of danger and need. True love keeps people safe in these ways merely through expressing itself.
