Identify the theme of William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 130" below.
"Sonnet CXXX" ("Sonnet 130")
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 damask'd, 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.
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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 bely'd with false compare.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. "Sonnet CXXXX" (Sonnet 130"). Shakespeare's Sonnets, Boston, 1865
A. Love can be fake.
B. No one can be perfect.
C. Physical appearance does not matter if love is real.
D. Nature is more beautiful than love.
Answer (2)
The theme of Shakespeare's "Sonnet 130" is that physical appearance is not crucial to genuine love. Shakespeare uses straightforward comparisons to highlight his mistress's imperfections, ultimately affirming that real affection holds more value. Therefore, the best choice is C: physical appearance does not matter if love is real.
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The theme of Shakespeare's "Sonnet 130" focuses on the idea that true love transcends physical appearance. Rather than conforming to idealized beauty, the poem highlights the genuineness of love even in the face of imperfections. Shakespeare ultimately argues that real affection is more important than superficial comparisons. ;
