Sonnet 130 Flashcards
What does Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 subvert?
The traditional Petrarchan sonnet
What literary techniques does Shakespeare use to present a realistic portrayal of love?
Negation, irony, and phonological choices
What is the significance of the phrase ‘nothing like’ in the first two lines?
It sets a contrast between conventional praise and rejection of poetic idealization
What poetic device is demonstrated by the /m/ sounds in ‘My mistress’’?
Alliteration
Which colors are compared in lines 3-4, and what do they symbolize?
- Snow - purity and idealized beauty
- Dun - an unflattering descriptor
What structure is used in lines 3-4 that suggests a rational approach?
Conditional Syntax: ‘If… why then…’
What is the effect of the unconventional metaphor ‘Hairs be wires’?
It suggests an unnatural, coarse texture rather than expected softness
What is ‘Blazon Reversal’ in the context of Sonnet 130?
Acknowledging and denying the traditional comparison of a woman’s complexion to roses
What does the phrase ‘reeks’ in lines 7-8 signify?
It disrupts pleasant imagery, reinforcing unromantic realism
What is the contrast in sound between ‘music’ and ‘speak’ in lines 9-10?
Euphonic vs. Cacophonic Soundscapes
What is the significance of the phrase ‘never saw a goddess go’?
It denies hyperbole and emphasizes realism over idealization
What does the phrase ‘treads on the ground’ emphasize?
The mistress’ mortality
What does the term ‘Volta’ refer to in lines 13-14?
A shift in argument or tone
What critique is made by the word ‘belied’ in the final couplet?
It critiques poets who engage in false comparisons
What does the invocation ‘By Heaven’ add to the final line?
A level of solemnity, underscoring truthfulness
How does Shakespeare redefine beauty and love in Sonnet 130?
As independent of unrealistic poetic conventions
What is the overall theme of Sonnet 130?
Critique of artificiality in courtly love poetry and assertion of genuine affection
What is the broader context for understanding Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130?
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 must be understood within its political, economic, religious, social, individual, and artistic contexts.
What political context influenced Shakespeare during the writing of Sonnet 130?
Shakespeare wrote during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, a period of relative stability and national pride.
How does Sonnet 130 critique courtly ideals?
Shakespeare’s mockery of poetic hyperbole could be read as a subtle critique of the performative nature of courtly flattery.
What does Sonnet 130 reflect about English nationalism?
Shakespeare’s rejection of foreign poetic traditions aligns with the growing English identity distinct from Catholic monarchies.
What economic changes occurred during the Elizabethan period?
The rise of a prosperous merchant class began to challenge traditional aristocratic values.
How did the theatrical economy affect Sonnet 130?
The commercial success of theaters and the printing industry allowed poets to reach wider audiences, appealing to those tired of elaborate conventions.
What is the significance of patronage in Shakespeare’s works?
While poets sought noble patronage, Shakespeare’s works were also performed for common audiences, reflecting a desire to appeal beyond the elite.
How does the Protestant Reformation relate to Sonnet 130?
The Protestant emphasis on sincerity resonates with the poem’s dismissal of false, exaggerated beauty.
What skepticism is reflected in Sonnet 130 regarding divine comparisons?
The poem rejects comparisons of women to celestial beings, aligning with Protestantism’s move away from saint-worship.
How does humanism influence Sonnet 130?
The Renaissance focus on individuality explains Shakespeare’s preference for a realistic appreciation of his mistress.
What role do women play in Elizabethan society as depicted in Sonnet 130?
The poem challenges the rigid ideals of beauty and virtue expected of Elizabethan women.
How does Sonnet 130 differ from the Petrarchan influence on gender perception?
Shakespeare presents a more grounded, human depiction of a woman rather than the passive, divine objects of male desire.
What cultural element does Sonnet 130 incorporate?
The poem can be seen as a witty, ironic critique of poetic clichés enjoyed by the Elizabethan audience.
What is a possible motivation behind Shakespeare writing Sonnet 130?
It may be a playful rebellion against the idealized portrayals of love found in the sonnets of other poets.
Who is the ‘Dark Lady’ in relation to Sonnet 130?
Some scholars suggest the poem was written for a woman described as more sensual and flawed than the idealized lover.
What does Sonnet 130 defend regarding love?
It defends realism in love, valuing genuine affection over conformity to poetic expectations.
How does Sonnet 130 subvert the Petrarchan tradition?
It uses exaggerated similes only to reject them, contrasting with the idealizations of women in earlier sonnets.
What is unique about the English sonnet form used by Shakespeare?
Shakespeare’s form (ABABCDCDEFEFGG) allows for a more flexible and dramatic development of ideas compared to the Italian sonnet.
How does irony play a role in Sonnet 130?
The poem parodies unrealistic depictions of female beauty, reflecting the Renaissance love for irony.
What influence does Shakespeare’s theatrical experience have on Sonnet 130?
His experience likely influenced the poem’s dramatic tone shifts, particularly the volta in the final couplet.
What is the conclusion regarding Sonnet 130’s significance?
It challenges love poetry conventions, critiques artificial ideals, and embraces realism, valuing truth over illusion.
