Petrarch sonnet 18 and shakepeare sonnet 130

Full Answer Section

Similarities:

Both Sonnet 18 and Sonnet 130 adhere to the traditional Petrarchan sonnet structure:

• Octave: The first eight lines present a problem or question.
• Sestet: The final six lines offer a resolution or reflection on the octave.
• Rhyme Scheme: ABBAABBA CDECDE or CDCDCD EFEFGG

Additionally, both sonnets utilize the Petrarchan conceit, a metaphor that compares the beloved to an object or concept. This literary device elevates the beloved's beauty and emphasizes the speaker's devotion.

Contrasts:

• Tone and Theme:

  • Sonnet 18: This sonnet is marked by hyperbole and idealized descriptions. The speaker praises his beloved's beauty and compares her to enduring things like summer and the sun. The tone is optimistic and celebratory, emphasizing the woman's timeless beauty.
  • Sonnet 130: This sonnet takes a more realistic and cynical approach. The speaker debunks the conventional Petrarchan praise and acknowledges his beloved's flaws. He admits that she isn't the most beautiful or fair but declares that his love is true and unwavering. The tone is witty and ironic, challenging traditional ideals of beauty.

• Imagery and Language:

  • Sonnet 18: The speaker utilizes vivid imagery and metaphors to paint an idealized picture of the beloved. He compares her eyes to the sun and her lips to coral, creating a sense of perfection and permanence. The language is elevated and formal, reflecting the idealized nature of the woman.
  • Sonnet 130: Shakespeare employs more common language and imagery in this sonnet. He describes his beloved's flaws without resorting to hyperbole, creating a more honest and relatable portrait. The language, though still poetic, is more down-to-earth and reflects the speaker's acceptance of his beloved's imperfections.

• Resolution and Conclusion:

  • Sonnet 18: The speaker concludes by stating that the woman's beauty will be immortalized in his poetry, suggesting that even though beauty fades, art can preserve it. The resolution is hopeful and reaffirms the speaker's devotion.
  • Sonnet 130: Shakespeare's conclusion is more grounded and introspective. He acknowledges the limitations of his love but ultimately declares that his love is true and unaffected by the beloved's imperfections. The resolution is bittersweet, acknowledging reality while still celebrating the power of love.

Individual Styles:

• Shakespeare: Sonnet 130 showcases Shakespeare's ability to subvert expectations and challenge traditional ideals. He uses humor and irony to create a more relatable and realistic portrait of love.
• Petrarch: Sonnet 18 reflects the Petrarchan tradition of idealizing beauty and love. The use of elevated language and imagery emphasizes the woman's perfection and the speaker's devotion.

Conclusion:

While both sonnets adhere to the Petrarchan form, their contrasting tones, themes, and approaches reveal the unique styles of Shakespeare and Petrarch. Comparing these two sonnets provides a deeper understanding of the evolution of the Petrarchan form and the distinct voices of these literary giants.

Sample Answer

Petrarchan sonnets, characterized by their specific structure and rhyme scheme, were a prominent form in Renaissance poetry. While both Shakespeare and Petrarch adhered to the fundamental structure, their individual approaches to this form reveal fascinating contrasts and provide insights into their distinct poetic styles.