When in disgrace with Fortune and men's eyes,Parallel, disgraced to all, outcast

I all alone beweep my outcast state,Being “alone” strengthens the image of despair

And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,Alludes to the Bible and religion

And look upon my self and curse my fate,Self-reflection has cause to be cursed

Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,Wishing to have more hope

Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,And wanting friends, like his rival

Desiring this man's art, and that man's scope,

With what I most enjoy contented least,

Yet in these thoughts my self almost despising,

Haply I think on thee, and then my state,Simile

Like to the lark at break of day arisingAlludes to nature, what is natural is “sullen”

From sullen earth sings hymns at heaven's gate,Imagery of the Earth and Heaven

For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings,

That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

A

B

A

B

C

D

C

D

E

F

E

F

G

G

These lines outline the problem, as the narrator curses his fate after losing love, and he desires to be like another.

The problem slowly loses its weight as the narrator becomes more self aware and happy with what he has.

The narrator is resolved of his troubles as he realizes that even though he lost love, his memories can still bring him happiness.

Parallel DictionDowncast, sullenGreater powerSound

Use of words describing sound or lack thereof shows progression of feeling, from “cries” to “hymns”.