Sonnet 130

Question 1

What style is sonnet 130 written in

Answer 1

Formal

Question 2

What is the tone of sonnet 130

Answer 2

Satirical and cynical

Question 3

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Answer 3

Simile used negatively as sun is usually associated with warmth in poems

Question 4

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Answer 4

Language being used is that of an argument being put forward by the poet - ‘If…..why then’

Question 5

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Answer 5

Fifth comparison being undermined by Shakespeare, because of its exaggeration; the natural colour of his loved-one’s ‘cheeks’ literally pales in comparison; another understatement, not a criticism

Question 6

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Answer 6

Reinforces the argument, that conventional, poetic comparisons are exaggerated

Question 7

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Answer 7

Eighth and final comparison seems almost sarcastic ‘I never saw a goddess go’ (i.e. walk)

Question 8

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Answer 8

Although there are metaphors in the poem, they are not used to describe the speaker’s mistress. Instead, each description undermines a metaphor and she is described literally

Question 9

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Answer 9

Simple, clear, tender statement & the exclamation ‘by heaven’ adds to the effect of sincerity

Question 10

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Answer 10

Volta - a rhetorical shift or dramatic change in thought and/or emotion

Question 11

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Answer 11

The final line suggests that using over the top metaphors doesn’t do justice when describing beauty

Question 12

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Answer 12

Final rhyming couplet creates a sense of conclusion, which emphasises the speaker’s affection for his mistress