‘sonnet 116’ – William Shakespeare

Question 1

what is the general over view for ‘sonnet 116’

Answer 1

Poem about love
Passage of time – true love is enduring
An idealised view of love
Love and marriage are highly praised and valued

Question 2

what are the Key themes in ‘sonnet 116’

Answer 2

The power of love
How to overcome obstacles
Passage of time
Love will continue spiritually

Question 3

what are some language points in the poem ‘sonnet 116’

Answer 3

Caesura is used to provide a sense of certainty with the marriage
Repeated pairs of words to add emphasis ‘remover to remove’
Exclamatory phrases for strength of feeling
Extended metaphor of love to be like a lighthouse to induce love and strength
Celestial imagery – love is a guiding force
‘Tempests’ – challenges of life
Reference to ‘doomsday’ – love will live on
Final couplet – a tone of surety and confidence.
Peoples age – they fall victim to the passage of time – beauty fades as a result.
Time is personified to being an enemy

Question 4

What are some form points in the poem ‘sonnet 116’

Answer 4

Sonnet – strict rules
3 quatrains, and a final rhyming couplet
Iambic pentameter
Regularity of rhythm and rhyme that work so well together
Express feelings of love and admiration

Question 5

What other poems does ‘sonnet 116’ link to ?

Answer 5

‘la belle dam sans mercy’ unhealthy view of love
Love can be destructive
Dangers of seduction
‘remember’
Sonnet
Effects of the passage of time upon a relationship
‘my last duchess’ failed marriage
Consequences of love
Unequal power dynamic