“Thou art thy mother’s glass, and she in thee
Calls back the lovely April of her prime.”
– Sonnet 3
Have you read many (or every any) of Shakespeare’s sonnets? If not, then I urge you to widen your Shakespeare reading today and delve into the depths of the poet’s lyricism and ideals.
💐 Inspiration for today’s lesson
As we celebrate Mother’s Day in the UK, this sonnet offers a moment of pause—a gentle reminder of how we carry the essence of those who came before us. Whether through looks, habits, dreams, or spirit, we are part of our mothers, and they live on in us.
My own mother died in November 2023, and although she is no longer with me, I feel that she is always looking after me, even after death. She was a wonderful, selfless woman who did much to help others and was known for her amazing smile. Love you, Mum!
So, today’s inspiration is not only a lovely way to celebrate mothers, but the connections that span generations.
Why read the sonnets?
Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets in total. These were published together in 1609 in a collection often referred to as Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Shakespeare’s sonnets are timeless works of art that continue to resonate for several reasons, including:
- Exploration of universal themes: The sonnets delve into themes like love, beauty, time, mortality, and the complexities of human relationships. These themes remain relevant, making the sonnets relatable across centuries.
- Mastery of language: Shakespeare’s unparalleled use of poetic devices—like metaphor, imagery, and wordplay make his sonnets a treasure trove for those who appreciate the beauty and versatility of language and are great for ringing the changes in English lessons.
- Emotional depth: The sonnets often capture profound emotions, from unrequited love to the fear of aging, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the human experience. They are also shorter than plays and can be used as inspiration for a one-off class.
- Historical insight: Reading the sonnets provides a window into the culture and societal norms of Elizabethan England, enriching your understanding of that era.
- Artistic inspiration: The sonnets are a source of inspiration for writers, poets, and artists, showcasing the power of brevity and structure in expressing complex ideas.
- Personal reflection: They encourage introspection, challenging readers to ponder their own views on topics like love, legacy, and the passage of time.
Whether you’re a lover of poetry or new to it, Shakespeare’s sonnets offer a rich and rewarding experience that appeals to both the heart and mind.
Context & background
This quote comes from Sonnet 3, one of Shakespeare’s early sonnets in the “Fair Youth” sequence. In this poem, the speaker encourages a beautiful young man to reflect on the importance of having children, not out of obligation but to preserve the beauty and legacy he carries.
The lines highlighted here speak especially to the emotional connection between a mother and her child. Shakespeare uses the metaphor of a mirror to suggest that a child reflects the image and essence of their parent. It’s a quiet, powerful way of honouring motherhood.
Interpreting the quote
“Thou art thy mother’s glass, and she in thee
Calls back the lovely April of her prime.”
This couplet evokes springtime imagery, with “April” representing youth, beauty, and vitality. The idea that a mother sees her younger self in her child is something deeply universal, transcending time and culture. It’s about lineage, memory, and the gentle pride a parent feels watching life continue.
It may not be a grand or dramatic tribute, but that’s what makes it so meaningful. It’s delicate, reflective, and deeply human.
Teaching & performance ideas
- Literary analysis: Explore how Shakespeare uses seasonal imagery and metaphor in his sonnets. What does “April of her prime” symbolise here?
- Creative writing: Ask students to write a short poem or monologue titled “You Are My Mirror,” focusing on family relationships.
- Drama exercise: Create a movement piece or scene exploring the theme of generational reflection—how children grow to resemble, challenge, or complete their parents.
- Themes: Shakespeare is not known for his praise of mothers generally, and in fact, in many of his plays, mothers could be interpreted in a negative way – think “Hamlet”, “Romeo and Juliet”, or Lady Macbeth’s aversion to maternal things. On the other hand, in The Winter’s Tale, Hermione’s maternal role is revered and heroic, showing strength and devotion despite tragic circumstances.
- Discussion prompt: Do we have a responsibility to reflect our family or legacy? Why or why not?
Cautionary note:
Not all students may have the same relationship with their mother – some may be children in care or with foster families or other relatives, so be aware of this when introducing the subject in a classroom.
As the foster mother to two beautiful girls, I know that there are many different perspectives around motherhood. It’s wonderful to celebrate, but do so with consideration and understanding of different family situations.
For more information, check out: https://www.rsc.org.uk/shakespeares-sonnets
Full Text: Sonnet 3 by William Shakespeare
Look in thy glass, and tell the face thou viewest
Now is the time that face should form another;
Whose fresh repair if now thou not renewest,
Thou dost beguile the world, unbless some mother.For where is she so fair whose unear’d womb
Disdains the tillage of thy husbandry?
Or who is he so fond will be the tomb
Of his self-love, to stop posterity?Thou art thy mother’s glass, and she in thee
Calls back the lovely April of her prime:
So thou through windows of thine age shalt see,
Despite of wrinkles, this thy golden time.But if thou live, remember’d not to be,
Die single, and thine image dies with thee.
Related posts
Sunday Shakespeare: Excellent Lessons From The Bard: 1 – Nothing Will Come Of Nothing
Sunday Shakespeare: Excellent Lessons From The Bard: 2 – To Be Or Not To Be
Sunday Shakespeare: Excellent Lessons From The Bard: 3 – All The World’s A Stage
This is a great analysis of Shakespeare’s lessons! The quote “Thou art thy mother’s glass” is a powerful one, highlighting themes of identity and self-perception. As a drama teacher, I’ve found that exploring these deeper meanings really helps students connect with Shakespeare’s work on a personal level. How do you incorporate these themes into lessons for younger students who might struggle with the language? I find that breaking down the language into modern context can spark a lot of interest and discussion.
Hi Jacob. Thanks for reading the article and for taking the time to comment. I’m glad you found it useful as a fellow drama teacher! Hope you are enjoying the site so far. To answer your question, I ALWAYS introduce the themes and ideas first rather than the language – that way, the students can relate to the concepts first, and there is less resistance to the language. Sometimes, I will only use snippets of the language to talk about a particular rhythm or particularly lyrical part, but that depends on the students I have. What are your favourite Shakespeare plays to work with? I quite like using some of the more obscure ones nowadays, too.
Hello Gail!
Shakespeare’s ability to capture deep human emotions never ceases to amaze me, and this lesson on Thou art thy mother’s glass is such a beautiful reflection on identity and legacy. It’s fascinating how his words remain so relevant, even centuries later, especially when we think about how family traits—both physical and emotional—are passed down through generations.
I love how this article breaks down the meaning behind the line in a way that feels both accessible and thought-provoking. Have you found that students connect more with Shakespeare when they relate his words to their own lives? It seems like a great way to make his works feel more personal and engaging!
Angela M 🙂
Hi Angela. Thanks for reading and for your kind comments. I’m glad you liked the article. I’ve not taught this particular sonnet, but they are a great inspiration for one-off lessons. I have a lot of different lesson plans and schemes of work about Shakespeare because I really love his plays and other plays of this era. What I do find, though, is that you need to make the subjects relatable to modern life first, and then you can introduce the Shakespearean angle and language. That’s worked really well for me with getting the students engaged, especially with plays like “King Lear”, “Macbeth”, and “Romeo and Juliet” but I think you could do it with any play really if you think about it enough.