Sonnet 137 Theme of Sex

Overall, Shakespeare’s sonnets have a fairly ambiguous view of sex. For example, the famous Sonnet 129 is probably the most anti-sex poem ever written in the English language. What about Sonnet 137? Where does it stand? Well, it's kind of upset at sex to be honest. In light of the other themes we’re considering in this section, like lies and deceit and betrayal, the poem uses metaphors that describe sex as downright ugly and nasty—like when he refers to the "bay where all men ride," or the "wide world’s common place." Is this just sour grapes? As we all know from Sex Ed class, promiscuity can be risky. From this perspective, the speaker’s reference to a "plague" in the final line might just express his very reasonable fear of contracting an STD from his lecherous lady. Still, we think the main emotions are probably anger and disgust at being sexually betrayed.

1. Does the speaker really have something against sex? Or does he frown on sex because he's upset at being betrayed? Which makes more sense to you, and why?
2. Why do you think the speaker uses metaphors to tackle the topic of sex in the poem, as opposed to dealing with it head-on?
3. Some people argue that there is a double-standard for the sexual activity of men and women: women are supposed to be faithful (or chaste), while men are forgiven for being more promiscuous. Does Shakespeare’s poem support or challenge this traditional view of sexuality? 
4. Do you think the speaker of this poem would be equally angry if the woman had committed emotional infidelity, but not sexual infidelity? What evidence in the poem might be used to support your conclusion?

The speaker is both sexually conservative and progressive. On the one hand, he supports the traditional view (conservative) by attacking a woman who is sexually promiscuous. On the other hand, he portrays a man—himself—who seems to want to be sexually monogamous (progressive!).

The speaker’s statements about sex in this poem have nothing to do with morality. Nope. He's taking a dip in Lake Me. This is all about his own personal feelings.