To truly understand the intensity of 134 sones, it's helpful to compare its decibel equivalent (approximately 99 dB) to common sounds we encounter every day. This comparison will place 134 sones into a practical and relatable context.

What makes Sonnet 134 distinctly unique in Western literature is Shakespeare's aggressive use of legal and usury (moneylending) terminology to describe heartbreak. The poet uses several extended metaphors to describe his emotional imprisonment: