Sonnet No.130 by William Shakespeare Essay

 

Introduction

Shakespeare's Sonnet 130, also known as "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun," is a poem that playfully subverts the typical Petrarchan sonnet's idealization of the fair mistress. Instead, the speaker describes his mistress with unflattering comparisons, stating that her eyes are "nothing like the sun" and her breasts are "black as raven feathers." In doing so, the speaker ultimately declares that his love for his mistress is not based on her physical beauty, but on her inner qualities and true worth.

Themes

The main theme of the sonnet is the idea that true love is not based on physical beauty. The speaker challenges the traditional idealization of beauty in the mistress and instead emphasizes the inner qualities and true worth of the person. The poem also touches on the theme of honesty and authenticity in love. The speaker is not afraid to describe his mistress in an unflattering manner, which shows that he is being genuine and honest in his love for her.

Summary

The poem is a humorous take on the traditional petrarchan sonnet, where mistress is usually represented as a perfect beauty, Shakespeare presents his mistress as an ordinary woman, with eyes that are not like the sun, lips that are not coral red, and breasts that are not white as snow. He further adds, that he likes the smell of her breath and her hair like black wires and he loves to hear her speak, though her voice is not as melodious as music. He concludes by stating that his love for her is as rare as any other love that is based on false comparison.

Analysis

The poem uses imagery and comparisons to convey the speaker's message. The speaker uses unflattering comparisons to describe his mistress, such as her eyes being "nothing like the sun" and her breasts being "black as raven feathers." These comparisons serve to challenge the idea that physical beauty is the only aspect of a person that is worthy of love and adoration. The speaker also uses imagery that is not traditionally associated with beauty, such as describing his mistress' hair as "black wires" and her breath as having a "reeking" smell.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shakespeare's Sonnet 130 is a clever subversion of the traditional Petrarchan sonnet that challenges the idea that physical beauty is the only aspect of a person that is worthy of love and adoration. The speaker, by using unflattering comparisons and imagery, emphasizes that true love is based on inner qualities and true worth. This sonnet encourages readers to look beyond physical appearances and to appreciate the inner beauty of the person they love.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Thief's Story by Ruskin Bond Essay

Introduction: "The Thief's Story" by Ruskin Bond tells the tale of a young thief who is taken in by a kind and trusting man named Anil. Despite his profession, the thief is drawn to Anil's generosity and ultimately decides to forgo a chance to rob him. The story explores themes of trust and loyalty through the relationship between the thief and Anil. Meeting Anil: The thief meets Anil while he is watching a wrestling match. Anil is described as a tall, lean man in his mid-twenties who appears kind and simple. The thief sees an opportunity to gain Anil's trust and offers to work for him in exchange for food. Anil agrees and allows the thief to stay with him in his room above a sweet shop. At first, the thief is unsure about Anil's intentions and is cautious in his interactions with him. However, as he gets to know Anil better, he realizes that Anil is genuinely kind and is not trying to exploit him. The thief feels grateful for the opportunity to work for Anil
Read more

Still I Rise by Maya Angelou - Essay

Introduction: Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise" serves as an enduring testament to resilience and empowerment, echoing through the corridors of time with its powerful message. Penned during an era fraught with racial and gender disparities, the poem emerges as a defiant proclamation against oppression and discrimination. Angelou, an African American woman navigating the complexities of intersectionality, crafted verses that transcend the confines of their historical context, resonating with individuals across diverse backgrounds. Historical Context and Perseverance: To truly grasp the depth of Angelou's poem, it's essential to delve into the historical milieu in which it unfolded. The mid-20th century was a crucible of systemic racial prejudice and gender bias, an environment that profoundly influenced Angelou's perspective. "Still I Rise" emerges as a resolute response to the entrenched inequities of the time, articulating the speaker's unwavering r
Read more

Indian Weavers by Sarojini Naidu - Essay

Introduction: Sarojini Naidu was an Indian political rights activist and writer. She is remembered for promoting women’s emancipation through her work and her writing. “Indian Weavers” is taken from her first full-length collection, The Golden Threshold, which was published in 1905. The poem explores the finite nature of human life through a series of woven garments. Despite the challenges facing Indian weavers, their work continues to be a testament to the rich history and culture of India. Structure and Theme: The poem is written in quatrains with an AABB rhyme scheme. The use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical quality that enhances its themes of art, life, and the inevitability of the passage of time. The poem also uses vivid imagery to create a sense of the beauty and richness of Indian weaving. Summary: Sarojini Naidu’s poem “Indian Weavers” is a moving and thought-provoking celebration of the passage of life and eventual death. The poem consists of three stanzas, each de
Read more