In the following poem by William Shakespeare (published in 1609), the speaker contemplates the value of love. Read the poem carefully. Then, in a well-written essay, analyze how Shakespeare uses poetic elements and structural techniques to construct a statement about the complex interaction between self-esteem and love. In your response you should do the following:
Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents an interpretation and may establish a line of reasoning.
Select and use evidence to develop and support your line of reasoning.
Explain the relationship between the evidence and your thesis.

1 When in disgrace with Fortune and men’s eyes
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless1 cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
5 Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featur’d like him, like him with friends possess’d,
Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope,2
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
10 Haply I think on thee, and then my state
(Like to the lark3 at break of day arising
From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven’s gate,
For thy sweet love rememb’red such wealth brings,
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.