If Thou Must Love Me Flashcards
Structural interpretation
- Writer has subverted the theme of a sonnet which is typically a love poem where women were placed on a pedestal and worshipped from afar purely based on shallow things like their appearance.
- Their is no clear or defining limes and the poem is structured as an argument
Discuss the significance of the word ‘love’
It is used by the poet not only to praise the subject but also focuses on the intellectualism of what love should be. Elizabeth states that her lover must not love her for her superficial qualities as they fade over time but to love her for what she is as a person.
What is the purpose of cumulative listing in the poem
It is used in emphasizing a particular statement and reinforcing the idea presented
Rhyme scheme
ABBA/ABBA/cdc/cdc
Explain the significance of Barret Brwonjng using ‘ must’ and ‘nought’ in describing the love she desires
Both these words are absolute words , they don’t allow for any grey areas. Barret Browning wants real true love without any compromise
Why is beloved capitalized
Shows her love and affection for her ‘lover ‘
Why does she use quotations in listing traditional reasons for a man loving a women
To mimic a man’s voice contributing to the mocking tone of the lines . She is negating these motives for love as well as men who love for these superficial reasons
Type of sonnet
Shakespearean
What is implied by the use of ‘must’
That the person she is addressing in the poem already does love her. It is not his love she is questioning but rather his motives
