Question

Read Shakespeare's "Sonnet 130.”

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. The three quatrains satirize common poetic comparisons of one’s beloved to beautiful things, suggesting that the speaker’s feelings are not strong. However, the sudden reversal in tone in the final couplet surprises and moves through its sincerity and depth of feeling, suggesting strong emotions.

Explanation:

Shakespeare's "Sonnet 130" is divided in quatrains which are stanzas of four lines in which the end of each verse or line is marked by a comma, semicolon or space and the end of each stanza is marked by a period. During the first quatrains the author describes the woman he loves by emphasizing her lips and cheeks are not red, her breast is dun and her hair is like wire, additionally, in the first three stanzas the author use satire which is the use of exaggeration to show some negative aspect as all the physical features are exaggerated, for example, it is not possible to have a hair that is exactly like wire. On the other hand, in the last stanza which has six lines with ABAB rhyme and therefore is a couple the author states how much he really loves that woman by comparing her to a goddess. Thus, it can be concluded this sonnet uses satire in the first three quatrains to compare the woman to beautiful things, which suggest he might not love her. But in the end the tone changes to really express the love the author has for the woman.

Answer 2

Answer:

A) The three quatrains satirize common poetic comparisons of one’s beloved to beautiful things, suggesting that the speaker’s feelings are not strong. However, the sudden reversal in tone in the final couplet surprises and moves through its sincerity and depth of feeling, suggesting strong emotions.

Explanation:

In the beginning of "Sonnet 130," Shakespeare describes his lover in a way that is not very pleasant. The reason is that he makes fun of the typical poetry of the time. Then, poets used to portray completely beautiful women and compare them to exquisite things, such as flowers and goddesses, which he makes clear. However, when Shakespeare says "And yet by heaven, I think my love as rare,  As any she belied with false compare." he means that he does not need embellishing words to describe his lover because he loves her for who she is.