William Shakespe Sonnet 130: My mistress' eves are nothing like the sun 1 My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun; 2 Coral is far more red than her lips' red; 3 If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; 4 If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head. 5 I have seen roses damasked, red and white, 6 But no such roses see $$ l $$ in her cheeks; 7 And in some perfumes is there more delight 8 Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks. 9 I love to hear her speak, yet well I know 10 That music hath a far more pleasing sound; 11 I grant I never saw a goddess go; 12 My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground. 13 And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare 14 Ae anuche hplied with false compare. Themes: - Escape fromidealism-Shakespeare does not idealise his beloved. She in unlike the Petrarchan ideal - she is "real", and he loves her despite her imperfections. He states clearly in the couplet that people who describe their partners with idealised comparisons, are liars. This emphasises the absurdity of Idealism. - Femininity - This sonnet addresses the problem of stereotyping female beauty by setting unreachable standards for it. The fixed 'definition' of beauty is unrealistic and will make females inferior by not achieving the ideal standards of beauty. He questions real love - we should love our partners in spite of their imperfections. - Love - The speaker expresses his love for his beloved. He describes his values of love. He states that real love is not based on outwards appearances and idealised looks. His love is based on connection and emotion, not the superficial. Questions: 1. Explain how the structure and tone of this poem allows the poet to emphasise the gentral messagy. (3) 2. Are Shakespeare's observations in the quatrains cynical or not? Explain your answer (2) 3. Who is the speaker ridiculing in the poem? Why does he do this? (3) 4. Refer to line 9: How does this line reflect a chance of tone in the speaker's description of his beloved? 5. Explain what is meant by: "My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground" 6. Refer to line 12 . Comment on the effect pace has on the meaning of the line, (3) 7. Show how the last line completes his argument. Refer, in particular, to the word "falsc". 8. Identify three sensory images in this poem and how they relate to the central thernc. 9. Identify the tone in lines 1-12 and how this contrasts with the tone in the last two lines is this an cffective shift (3) In tone? Justify your answer. 10. Explain the use of "by heaven" in line 13. Why has this phrase been included? (3) (2)

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UpStudy AI · Accepted Answer

Sure, let's address each of the questions related to Shakespeare's **Sonnet 130** systematically:

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### **1. Explain how the structure and tone of this poem allows the poet to emphasise the general message.**  
*(3 marks)*

**Answer:**

**Structure:**  
Sonnet 130 follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, comprising three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet. This established structure allows Shakespeare to methodically present his observations in the quatrains, each focusing on different comparisons that subvert conventional poetic clichés about beauty.

**Tone:**  
The tone throughout the quatrains is ironic and satirical as the speaker candidly describes his mistress's features in unidealized terms, directly opposing the exaggerated praises typical of love poetry. This realistic and sometimes humorous tone underscores the authenticity of his feelings.

**Emphasis on Message:**  
By utilizing the structured approach of the sonnet and maintaining a consistent ironic tone, Shakespeare effectively emphasizes his central message: genuine love does not rely on idealized or superficial attributes. The final couplet shifts to a sincere and affirming tone, solidifying the poem's argument that true love values reality over unrealistic ideals.

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### **2. Are Shakespeare's observations in the quatrains cynical or not? Explain your answer.**  
*(2 marks)*

**Answer:**

Shakespeare's observations in the quatrains are **not cynical**; instead, they are **realistic and satirical**. While the speaker points out the lack of conventional beauty in his mistress, the purpose is to mock the exaggerated and unrealistic standards set by typical love poetry rather than to express bitterness. This approach highlights the speaker's sincere and genuine love, emphasizing authenticity over superficiality.

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### **3. Who is the speaker ridiculing in the poem? Why does he do this?**  
*(3 marks)*

**Answer:**

The speaker is ridiculing **conventional poets and the exaggerated standards of beauty they propagate**, particularly those following the Petrarchan tradition. By presenting unflattering and realistic comparisons of his mistress's features, he mocks the clichéd and idealized metaphors often used to describe women. The purpose is to challenge the absurdity of unrealistic beauty standards and to advocate for a more honest and genuine portrayal of love that values true affection over superficial attributes.

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### **4. Refer to line 9: How does this line reflect a change of tone in the speaker's description of his beloved?**

**Line 9:** *"I love to hear her speak, yet well I know"*

**Answer:**

Line 9 marks a **shift from focusing on physical attributes to appreciating inner qualities**. While the earlier lines critique conventional beauty standards, this line introduces a more personal and affectionate tone as the speaker expresses genuine enjoyment in hearing his mistress speak. This change reflects a move towards valuing emotional and intellectual connections over superficial appearances, highlighting the depth of his love.

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### **5. Explain what is meant by: "My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground"**

**Line 12:** *"My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground."*

**Answer:**

The line **"My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground"** emphasizes the mistress's **earthly and ordinary nature**, contrasting with the ethereal or goddess-like qualities often attributed to beloved figures in poetry. It underscores the poem's theme that genuine love appreciates a person's real, tangible qualities rather than elevating them to unrealistic or unattainable standards. By highlighting her groundedness, the speaker reinforces the authenticity and sincerity of his affection.

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### **6. Refer to line 12. Comment on the effect pace has on the meaning of the line.**  
*(3 marks)*

**Line 12:** *"My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground."*

**Answer:**

The **steady and measured pace** of line 12 mirrors the **grounded and straightforward nature** of the mistress. The rhythmic regularity reinforces the idea of normalcy and humility, aligning with the poem's rejection of exaggerated beauty standards. This deliberate pacing emphasizes her authenticity and the speaker's appreciation for her true, unembellished presence. The calm rhythm contrasts with the often lofty and rapid-fire praise in traditional love sonnets, highlighting the speaker's preference for sincerity over hyperbole.

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### **7. Show how the last line completes his argument. Refer, in particular, to the word "false".**

**Last Line:** *"As any she belied with false compare."*

**Answer:**

The final line, **"As any she belied with false compare,"** **concludes the speaker's argument** by asserting that his love is **just as genuine and rare** as those described by poets who use **"false" comparisons**. The word **"false"** emphasizes the **deceptive and exaggerated nature** of traditional poetic metaphors, suggesting that such portrayals are untruthful or inflated. By juxtaposing his honest descriptions with these false comparisons, the speaker reinforces the authenticity and value of his own love, which does not rely on unrealistic or misleading idealizations.

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### **8. Identify three sensory images in this poem and how they relate to the central theme.**

**Answer:**

1. **Visual Image:**  
   - *"Coral is far more red than her lips' red;"*  
   This visual comparison challenges the idealized portrayals of beauty, emphasizing the mistress's natural appearance over exaggerated beauty standards.

2. **Olfactory Image:**  
   - *"Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks."*  
   This scent-related description subverts the typical association of pleasant fragrances with beauty, reinforcing the poem's theme of valuing authenticity over superficial allure.

3. **Tactile Image:**  
   - *"If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head."*  
   This tactile metaphor highlights the ordinary and unembellished nature of the mistress's features, aligning with the central theme of genuine love appreciating real, imperfect qualities.

These sensory images collectively underscore the poem’s rejection of conventional beauty ideals and advocate for a more honest and authentic perception of love and affection.

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### **9. Identify the tone in lines 1-12 and how this contrasts with the tone in the last two lines. Is this an effective shift in tone? Justify your answer.**  
*(3 marks)*

**Answer:**

**Tone in Lines 1-12:**  
The tone is **critical, ironic, and satirical**, as the speaker systematically deconstructs clichéd poetic comparisons by presenting his mistress in unidealized terms.

**Tone in the Last Two Lines (Couplet):**  
The tone shifts to **sincere, affirming, and appreciative**, as the speaker declares his love to be genuine and rare despite his mistress's lack of conventional beauty.

**Effectiveness of the Shift:**  
This shift is **highly effective** because it culminates the speaker’s argument by contrasting the earlier critique with a heartfelt affirmation of true love. It reinforces the central theme that authentic affection transcends superficial and unrealistic standards, thereby providing a satisfying and cohesive conclusion to the poem.

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### **10. Explain the use of "by heaven" in line 13. Why has this phrase been included?**  
*(3 marks)*

**Line 13:** *"And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare"*

**Answer:**

The phrase **"by heaven"** serves as an **emphatic oath or solemn affirmation**, lending **credibility and sincerity** to the speaker's declaration of love. By invoking something as sacred and trustworthy as heaven, the speaker underscores the **genuineness and depth** of his feelings. This inclusion contrasts with the earlier pragmatic descriptions, highlighting that despite his mistress not meeting traditional beauty ideals, his love remains profound and sincere. It reinforces the poem’s message that true love is based on authentic connection rather than superficial attributes.

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**1. The poem's structure and tone emphasize that true love isn't based on unrealistic beauty standards.** **2. Shakespeare's observations are not cynical; they are realistic and satirical, mocking conventional beauty ideals.** **3. The speaker ridicules poets who use exaggerated and unrealistic comparisons to describe beauty. He does this to highlight the absurdity of such standards.** **4. Line 9 shifts the tone from criticizing physical attributes to appreciating his mistress's ability to speak, showing a move towards valuing emotional connections.** **5. "My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground" means she is ordinary and grounded, contrasting with the ethereal beauty often idealized in poetry.** **6. The steady pace of line 12 reflects the mistress's ordinary and humble nature, reinforcing the poem's theme of genuine love over exaggerated praise.** **7. The last line concludes by saying that his love is as genuine as those described with false comparisons, emphasizing authenticity.** **8. Three sensory images are: - Visual: Comparing her lips to coral. - Olfactory: Describing her breath. - Tactile: Comparing her hair to wires.** **9. Lines 1-12 have a critical and ironic tone, contrasting with the sincere and affirming tone in the last two lines. This shift effectively reinforces the poem's message about genuine love.** **10. "By heaven" is an emphatic oath in line 13, adding sincerity to the speaker's declaration of love, contrasting with earlier criticisms.

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