Journey 9 Checkpoints: How To Paraphrase The Poem

Journey 9 Checkpointdirections Work To Paraphrase the Poem Into Its L

Work to paraphrase the poem into its literal meaning, identify the examples of figurative language and satirical devices, and determine the tone of the poem and the poem's theme. Sonnet 130 (My mistress' eyes ....) By William Shakespeare. My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun; Coral is far more red than her lips' red; If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head. I have seen roses damasked, red and white, but no such roses see I in her cheeks; And in some perfumes is there more delight than in the breath that from my mistress reeks. I love to hear her speak, yet well I know that music hath a far more pleasing sound; I grant I never saw a goddess go; my mistress when she walks treads on the ground. And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare as any she belied with false compare. What six complaints the speaker has made about his "mistress": 1. Her eyes are not like the sun. 2. Her lips are not as red as coral. 3. Her breasts are not as white as snow. 4. Her hair does not resemble wires. 5. Her cheeks do not resemble damasked roses. 6. Her breath is less delightful than perfumes. What is the figurative language used? What are the satirical elements used? What is the effect of this comparison? What is the tone of the poem up to this point? Explain. In Shakespeare's time, the word 'reeks' didn't have the negative connotation that it does today. How does this change your understanding of the line? The speaker is not always the poet. Who could the speaker be? To whom could the speaker be talking to? If the order of the poem's lines were reversed and the speaker started by telling the mistress he loves her, before mentioning the negative points, how would this change your view of the poem?

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William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 is a groundbreaking piece that challenges the conventional Petrarchan ideals of ideal beauty prevalent in his time. Instead of romanticizing his mistress with exaggerated compliments, Shakespeare employs a candid and satirical tone, presenting her in a more realistic and relatable manner. This approach not only adds humor but also underscores a deeper message about genuine love and acceptance. In this essay, I will paraphrase the poem's literal meaning, analyze its figurative language and satirical elements, and explore its tone and overarching theme.

Paraphrasing Sonnet 130, Shakespeare asserts that his mistress's eyes are not as luminous as the sun, which was traditionally prized for their brightness. Her lips are less red than coral, a metaphor for vibrancy, yet he dismisses the comparison. Her breasts are not as white as snow, contradicting idealized purity. Her hair, with its wires, is dull and unremarkable. He has seen roses of various colors, but her cheeks lack such beauty. Her breath is unpleasant compared to the sweet-smelling perfumes; yet, despite all these descriptions, he loves her sincerely, claiming her love is rare and real, unlike the false praise often used in love poetry.

Throughout the poem, Shakespeare employs various figurative language devices. For example, he compares her lips to coral to emphasize their redness, and her hair to wires to suggest dullness. The metaphor of her breath “reeks” indicates an unpleasant smell, contrasting with the usual romantic idealization of fresh, sweet scents. Satire plays a significant role here—Shakespeare mocks the exaggerated comparisons common in love poetry by deliberately describing his mistress's shortcomings, thereby highlighting the superficiality of such compliments. The tone is humorous and satirical, as Shakespeare ridicules the clichés of beauty standards while affirming genuine affection.

The effect of these comparisons and the satirical tone is to challenge traditional notions of beauty that often rely on hyperbole and false comparisons. Shakespeare suggests that real love does not depend on idealized, superficial qualities but on a more authentic appreciation of one's partner. The poem's tone is affectionate yet playful, as he openly admits to his mistress’s imperfections while claiming his love remains sincere and unique. This honesty fosters a sense of realism, contrasting sharply with the exaggerated expressions typical of love poetry of that era.

Regarding the context of the word “reeks,” during Shakespeare's time, it did not possess the negative connotation today associated with bad smell. Instead, it could simply mean to emit or exude. Recognizing this allows a more nuanced understanding of the line: Shakespeare is not necessarily saying her breath is foul but that it surpasses perfumes in potency, perhaps implying authenticity or naturalness. This subtlety emphasizes the poem’s theme that genuine love values real, imperfect qualities over idealized, superficial attributes.

The speaker of the poem might be Shakespeare himself or a fictionalized version embodying his perspective. Alternatively, it could be a general archetype of a lover, speaking directly to his mistress. The poem seems to be addressed to her, but it also functions as a parody of traditional love sonnets directed at idealized women. If the poem had opened by confessing love before listing her faults, it would have shifted the focus from satire to earnest admiration. The loving declaration first would underscore genuine affection, with the subsequent critique highlighting the contrast between true love and superficial flattery, thereby deepening the emotional sincerity of the poem’s message.

In conclusion, Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 employs candid language, satire, and realism to challenge Renaissance beauty standards. By refusing to idealize his mistress, he underscores that authentic love appreciates the real person, flaws and all. The poem’s tone remains playful yet sincere, emphasizing the importance of genuine affection over superficial appearances. Through this sonnet, Shakespeare advocates for a more honest and heartfelt approach to love that transcends superficial beauty, a message that resonates across ages.

References

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