Sonnet 130 by Willian Shakespeare | My mistress eyes are nothing like the sun | Sonnet 130 | Willian Shakespeare | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Critical Appreciation | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Sonnet 130
My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun
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.
line-by-line explanation of the poem
Line 1: My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun;
Explanation: The speaker begins by rejecting the conventional comparison of a lover’s eyes to the sun. This sets the tone for the rest of the sonnet, which will deviate from the traditional Petrarchan style.
Line 2: Coral is far more red than her lips’ red;
Explanation: The speaker continues to downplay his mistress’s beauty by comparing her lips to coral, but not in a flattering way. He claims that coral is “far more red” than her lips, implying that her lips are pale and lacking in vibrancy.
Line 3: If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;
Explanation: The speaker further undermines the traditional portrait of beauty by comparing his mistress’s breasts to snow, but finding her complexion to be “dun,” a dull brownish color. This suggests that her skin is not the flawless white often associated with beauty in love poetry.
Line 4: If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
Explanation: The speaker concludes the first quatrain with a harsh and unflattering metaphor, comparing his mistress’s hair to “black wires.” This image serves to further challenge the conventional notion of beauty, emphasizing the woman’s naturalness and imperfections.
Line 5: I have seen roses damasked, red and white,
Explanation: The second quatrain introduces the motif of roses, another common symbol of beauty in love poetry. The speaker acknowledges that he has seen “roses damasked, red and white,” but he fails to find such “roses” in his mistress’s cheeks. This suggests that her cheeks are lacking in the vibrant colors associated with roses.
Line 6: But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
Explanation: The speaker directly states that he does not see the beauty of roses in his mistress’s cheeks. This further emphasizes the departure from conventional beauty standards.
Line 7: And in some perfumes is there more delight
Explanation: The speaker continues to highlight the imperfections of his mistress by comparing her breath to perfume. He claims that there is “more delight” in the scent of perfume than in the breath of his mistress. This suggests that her breath is not as pleasant as one might expect from a traditionally beautiful woman.
Line 8: Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
Explanation: The speaker uses the strong word “reeks” to describe the scent of his mistress’s breath. This is a jarring and unflattering image that challenges the idealized portrayal of the beloved in love poetry.
Line 9: I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
Explanation: The third quatrain shifts the focus from physical appearance to the mistress’s voice. The speaker admits that he enjoys listening to her speak, but he also acknowledges that music has a “far more pleasing sound.” This suggests that her voice is not as melodious as one might expect from a traditionally beautiful woman.
Line 10: That music hath a far more pleasing sound;
Explanation: The speaker directly compares the sound of his mistress’s voice to music, finding the latter to be more pleasing. This further emphasizes the departure from conventional beauty standards.
Line 11: I grant I never saw a goddess go;
Explanation: The speaker admits that he has never seen a goddess walk, suggesting that he does not expect his mistress to conform to unrealistic ideals of beauty. This sets the stage for the paradoxical conclusion of the sonnet.
Line 12: My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground.
Explanation: The speaker states that his mistress, like any other human being, “treads on the ground.” This image serves to ground the mistress in reality, further emphasizing her imperfections and humanness.
Line 13: And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
Explanation: Despite the imperfections he has described, the speaker declares his love for his mistress to be “as rare / As any she belied with false compare.” This suggests that his love is based on true affection and acceptance, rather than superficial beauty.
Line 14: As any she belied with false compare.
Explanation: The speaker concludes the sonnet by reiterating his belief that his love is unique and precious, regardless of his mistress’s departure from conventional beauty standards. This paradoxical conclusion challenges the idealized portrayal of love in traditional love poetry.
Summary
In Sonnet 130, William Shakespeare challenges the conventional Petrarchan love sonnet by defying the idealization of the beloved. Instead of comparing his mistress to celestial bodies or mythical figures, the poet emphasizes her imperfections and humanness.
The sonnet opens with a direct rejection of the traditional comparison of a lover’s eyes to the sun. The speaker asserts that his mistress’s eyes are “nothing like the sun,” suggesting that she does not conform to the standards of conventional beauty.
In the second quatrain, the poet continues to break down the idealized image of the mistress. He compares her lips to coral, but not in a flattering way. He claims that coral is “far more red” than her lips, implying that her lips are pale and lacking in vibrancy. Similarly, he compares her breasts to snow, but finds her complexion to be “dun,” a dull brownish color. Finally, he likens her hair to “black wires,” a harsh and unflattering metaphor that further undermines the traditional portrait of beauty.
The third quatrain introduces the motif of roses, another common symbol of beauty in love poetry. The speaker acknowledges that he has seen “roses damasked, red and white,” but he fails to find such “roses” in his mistress’s cheeks. Instead, he suggests that her cheeks are lacking in the vibrant colors associated with roses. Additionally, he compares the scent of perfume to the breath of his mistress, finding the former to be more “delightful” than the latter.
The final quatrain brings the sonnet to a paradoxical conclusion. Despite the imperfections he has described, the speaker declares his love for his mistress to be “as rare / As any she belied with false compare.” This suggests that his love is based on true affection and acceptance, rather than superficial beauty. He admits that he has never seen a goddess walk, and that his mistress treads on the ground just like any other human being. Yet, he emphasizes that his love for her is unique and precious, regardless of her departure from conventional beauty standards.
Sonnet 130 stands as a testament to Shakespeare’s ability to deconstruct and challenge established literary conventions. By defying the idealization of the beloved, the sonnet offers a more realistic and authentic portrayal of love, one that celebrates the imperfections and humanness of the object of affection.
Key Points
Author: William Shakespeare is considered to be one of the most important English-language writers. His plays and poems are read all over the world.
Form: Sonnet 130 is a sonnet, a fourteen-line poem that is contained within one stanza. The form that has become synonymous with the poet’s name. The English or Shakespearean sonnet is made up of three quatrains, or sets of four lines, and one concluding couplet, or set of two rhyming lines.
Speaker: The speaker is the poet himself.
Setting: The setting isn’t specific to a particular place or time. It’s more about the universal human experience of love and beauty.
Theme: The main theme of the poem is the authenticity of love and the rejection of false comparisons. It explores how genuine love transcends superficial, exaggerated expressions and cherishes authentic beauty and uniqueness.
Plot: The speaker describes his mistress in unflattering terms, comparing her to things that are not conventionally beautiful but still insisting that he loves her. The poem is a satire of the exaggerated language used in traditional love poetry and a critique of the unrealistic expectations set by society for women’s beauty.
Tone: Satirical, humorous, and affectionate.
Style: Shakespeare’s style in this sonnet, like his others, is characterized by his rich imagery and metaphorical language. He uses metaphors to compare his mistress’s features to various things, but unlike traditional love poetry, these comparisons serve to highlight her ordinary, rather than extraordinary, beauty.
Message: The message of the poem is that genuine love appreciates the true beauty of a person, rather than an idealized version of them. This is encapsulated in the final lines: “And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare, As any she belied with false compare.”
Structure and Rhyme Scheme
The structure of the poem “My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun” is a Shakespearean sonnet. This form of sonnet is also known as the English sonnet. Here’s a breakdown of its structure and rhyme scheme:
Structure A Shakespearean sonnet consists of 14 lines divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet.
Rhyme Scheme The rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This means that in each quatrain, the first and third lines rhyme with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyme with each other. The final two lines, which form a couplet, also rhyme with each other.
In the case of this poem, the rhyme scheme would look like this:
My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun; (A)
Coral is far more red than her lips’ red; (B)
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun; (A)
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head. (B)
I have seen roses damask’d, red and white, ©
But no such roses see I in her cheeks; (D)
And in some perfumes is there more delight ©
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks. (D)
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know (E)
That music hath a far more pleasing sound; (F)
I grant I never saw a goddess go; (E)
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground: (F)
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare (G)
As any she belied with false compare. (G)
This structure and rhyme scheme are characteristic of Shakespeare’s sonnets and are part of what gives them their musical quality.
Word Meaning
| Line | Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| 1 | Mistress | Beloved | प्रेमिका |
| 2 | Coral | A hard, calcareous substance formed by the skeletons of marine animals, used in jewelry and ornaments. | मूँगा |
| 3 | Dun | Dull brownish-gray color | धूसर (कुछ कम चमकीला भूरा रंग) |
| 4 | Wires | Thin, flexible metal strands | तार |
| 5 | Damasked | A weaving pattern with mixed colors | एक बुनाई पैटर्न जिसमें मिश्रित रंग होते हैं |
| 7 | Delight | Great pleasure or satisfaction. | खुशी |
| 8 | Reeks | Emitting a strong, unpleasant smell. | बदबू आना |
| 10 | Hath | Old form of “has” | “Has” का पुराना रूप |
| 10 | Pleasing | Giving a sense of happiness or satisfaction. | सुखद |
| 11 | Grant | Admit or acknowledge | स्वीकार करना या मानना |
| 11 | Goddess | A female deity. | देवी |
| 12 | Tread | Steps or walks | कदम रखना या चलना |
| 13 | Rare | Not often found or occurring. | दुर्लभ |
| 14 | Belied | Misrepresented or given a false appearance. | झूठा साबित |
| 14 | Compare | Misrepresented or deceived | गलत चित्रित |
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the speaker addressing in Sonnet 130?
The speaker is addressing his mistress.
What does the poet compare his mistress’ eyes to?
The poet compares his mistress’ eyes to the sun.
How does the poet describe the color of his mistress’ lips?
The poet describes the color of his mistress’ lips as less red than coral.
What color does the poet say his mistress’ breasts are?
The poet says his mistress’ breasts are dun, a dull brownish color.
What does the poet compare his mistress’ hair to?
The poet compares his mistress’ hair to black wires.
What kind of roses does the poet claim not to see in his mistress’ cheeks?
The poet claims not to see damasked roses (roses with mixed red and white colors) in his mistress’ cheeks.
What is the poet’s attitude towards the scent of his mistress’ breath?
The poet is critical, suggesting the scent is less delightful.
What does the poet enjoy hearing from his mistress?
The poet enjoys hearing his mistress speak.
How does the poet describe the sound of music in comparison to his mistress’ voice?
The poet suggests that music has a far more pleasing sound.
What goddess does the poet claim he has never seen go?
The poet claims he has never seen a goddess go.
What does the poet say about his mistress when she walks?
The poet says that when his mistress walks, she treads on the ground.
What does the poet claim about the rarity of his love in the final couplet?
The poet claims that his love is as rare as any love that has been falsely compared.
What is the overall tone of Sonnet 130?
The overall tone of Sonnet 130 is satirical and realistic.
How does the poet use humor in the sonnet?
The poet uses humor by subverting traditional expectations and presenting a more realistic, unconventional description of his mistress.
What is the central theme of Sonnet 130?
The central theme is the genuine and unconventional nature of true love.
How does the poet challenge traditional love poetry?
The poet challenges traditional love poetry by rejecting idealized comparisons and presenting a more honest, down-to-earth portrayal of his mistress.
What word does the poet use to admit or acknowledge certain facts?
The poet uses the word “Grant” to admit or acknowledge certain facts.
What color is associated with coral in the poem?
Coral is associated with the color red in the poem.
What does the poet claim he has never seen a goddess do?
The poet claims he has never seen a goddess go (walk).
What does the poet assert about his love in the final lines?
In the final lines, the poet asserts that his love is as rare as any love that has been falsely compared.
Short Answer Questions
What is the tone of Sonnet 130?
The tone of Sonnet 130 is satirical and realistic. The poet uses humor and irony to challenge conventional expressions of love and beauty.
How does Shakespeare describe his mistress’s physical attributes in the poem?
Shakespeare describes his mistress in a realistic and unconventional manner, highlighting her imperfections and dismissing traditional comparisons. He rejects idealized descriptions of beauty found in typical love poetry.
What is the central theme of Sonnet 130?
The central theme of Sonnet 130 is the genuine and unconventional nature of true love. Shakespeare emphasizes that love should transcend superficial beauty and that real beauty lies in embracing the individuality and uniqueness of his mistress.
In what ways does the poet challenge traditional love poetry in Sonnet 130?
The poet challenges traditional love poetry by rejecting idealized comparisons and exaggerated praises. Instead, he portrays his mistress realistically, using everyday imagery and emphasizing the authenticity of his love.
How does Shakespeare use humor in Sonnet 130?
Shakespeare employs humor through the contrast between traditional romantic clichés and the realistic descriptions of his mistress. The exaggeration of flaws and the unexpected turns in imagery create a humorous effect.
What is the significance of the final couplet in Sonnet 130?
In the final couplet, Shakespeare asserts the rarity of his love despite rejecting false comparisons. He emphasizes that his love is genuine and unique, standing apart from the conventional ideals presented in other poems.
How does Sonnet 130 contribute to the overall themes in Shakespeare’s body of work?
Sonnet 130 aligns with Shakespeare’s exploration of the complexities of human emotions and challenges conventional notions of love and beauty. It reflects his broader theme of presenting a more authentic and nuanced view of relationships.
What is the poet’s attitude towards traditional comparisons of beauty in Sonnet 130?
The poet adopts a critical and dismissive attitude towards traditional comparisons of beauty. He rejects the common idealized descriptions found in love poetry, opting for a more honest and down-to-earth portrayal of his mistress.
How does the poet convey the idea that true love goes beyond physical appearance in Sonnet 130?
The poet conveys the idea that true love goes beyond physical appearance by focusing on the unique qualities and individuality of his mistress. He suggests that real beauty lies in accepting and appreciating the genuine, unadorned aspects of his beloved.
What role does irony play in Sonnet 130?
Irony is prevalent in Sonnet 130 as the poet uses it to subvert traditional expectations. While he begins by describing his mistress in unflattering terms, the concluding lines reveal the sincerity of his love, turning the expected mockery into a declaration of genuine affection.
Essay Type Questions
1. Write the critical appreciation of the poem.
Introduction
“My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun” is a sonnet by William Shakespeare, known as Sonnet 130. It is a profound meditation on the nature of love and beauty, challenging the conventional and exaggerated comparisons often used in love poetry.
Structure, Form, and Rhyme Scheme
The poem is a Shakespearean sonnet, a form that consists of 14 lines structured into three quatrains and a concluding couplet. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is characteristic of Shakespeare’s sonnets. This structure lends a rhythmic and musical quality to the poem, enhancing its emotional resonance.
Theme
The central theme of the sonnet is the authenticity of love and the rejection of false comparisons. The speaker describes his mistress in realistic terms, contrasting with the hyperbolic comparisons often found in love poetry. This approach underscores the speaker’s genuine love for his mistress, which is not contingent on idealized notions of beauty.
Imagery
Shakespeare employs vivid imagery to convey his themes. He uses comparisons to the sun, coral, snow, wires, roses, perfumes, music, and a goddess to highlight the ordinary beauty of his mistress. These comparisons serve to debunk the unrealistic standards of beauty often propagated in love poetry.
Poetic Devices
Shakespeare uses various poetic devices in this sonnet. Metaphor is used extensively, such as when the mistress’s eyes are compared to the sun, her lips to coral, and her voice to music. The sonnet also features irony, as the speaker subverts the conventional tropes of love poetry to express his genuine admiration for his mistress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet 130 is a poignant exploration of authentic love and beauty. Through its masterful use of form, imagery, and poetic devices, it challenges the reader’s preconceived notions of beauty and love. It leaves the reader with the powerful message that genuine love appreciates the true beauty of a person, rather than an idealized version of them. This sonnet, like much of Shakespeare’s work, continues to resonate with readers centuries after it was written, attesting to the enduring power of its themes and its artistry.
