Question

Compare Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 to Sonnet 16 by Sidney. List the similarities and differences between the forms of the poems, their tones, and the poets' approach to their subjects.

Answer 1

There are two comparisons between Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 and 130. The first is that both speak of rosy cheeks. The second is that they echo in very styles the same theme: "marriage of true minds." Most points of versification in Sonnets 116 and 130 are contrasting. In 116, Shakespeare starts out speaking philosophically about the steadiness of love and its constancy in the face of "tempests" of altering circumstances.

Answer 2

Similarities

Both the sonnets are English sonnets.

Both the sonnets have the mistresses of the poets as their subjects.

Both sonnets make comparisons.

Difference

Shakespeare pokes fun at poets who exaggerate the merits of their beloved. He describes his beloved’s beauty in unimpressive terms. He concludes by saying that although his love for his mistress is rare and true, he refuses to use fake comparisons. The tone of the sonnet is static and matter of fact.

Sidney begins by saying that love did not cause him the pain and longing that it did others. As a result, he ridiculed love-stricken men. He then says that he realized his error when he saw Stella. He goes on to describe love as a lion, full of vigor and ferocity. The tone of the poem shifts from a conversational tone to a tone that reflects awe and reverence for Stella.