Poetry (Rings vs How Do I Love Thee)

Question 1

PARAGRAPH 1

Answer 1

1. Love is lifelong, infinite and everlasting

HDILT
- Juxtaposition: measuring the immeasurable
- Rhetorical question - title asks, poem answers immeasurable
- Anaphora - “I love thee”
- Imagery - boundless love “I love thee to the depth and breadth and height/My soul can reach”… “for the ends of being and ideal grace”

Rings
- Symbolism - rings
- Symbolism - seasons
- Metaphor - “ring of swans, monogamous, two”

Question 2

PARAGRAPH 2

Answer 2

2. Love is immeasurable by material things

• Allusion: Wedding vows: “and therefore I give you this ring” vs “Breath, smiles and tears of all my life”… however

Rings
- Symbolism - variety of rings (tree, grass, rain, birdsong)
- Context - anti-capitalist, royal wedding

HDILT
- However: immaterial/intangible to describe - directions “soul can reach”, everyday occurrances “sun and candlelight”
- Context - romanticism movement

Question 3

PARAGRAPH 3

Answer 3

Love is a choice, inherently natural and right

HDILT
- Tone - innocent and warm, but bold and honest. Speaks of a serious topic
- Simile - “I love thee freely, as men strive for right”
- Religion “if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death” - with faith/God, her love can be granted as pure and right

Rings
- Imagery - naturalistic
- Context - same-sex marriage passed 2013
- Imagery - feminine “kissed a lipstick ring” “stolen a ring of your hair”
- Allusion - church/wedding bells