An Analysis of William Shakespeare's Sonnet 130: Literature

This essay provides an in-depth analysis of William Shakespeare's Sonnet 130. The analysis focuses on the poem's departure from traditional romantic conventions, particularly its rejection of idealized beauty in favor of a more realistic portrayal of the speaker's mistress. The essay explores the poem's use of imagery, metaphor, and irony to critique the conventions of romantic poetry and to present a more grounded and relatable expression of love. The analysis also touches on the poem's connection to the themes of Romanticism and the expectations of women in society. It examines the poem's significance in Shakespeare's broader body of work, highlighting its unique perspective on love and beauty, and its contribution to our understanding of the complexities of human relationships.

Running head: ANALYSIS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S POEM
ANALYSIS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S POEM
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1ANALYSIS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S POEM
On analyzing the great Sonnet 130 of William Shakespeare, we are at once transferred to the
world of Romanticism, where the speaker I found to be in love with his mistress. Comparing
one’s lover to other beautiful ladies is not something welcome for the ladies of today’s
generation (Kedra – Kardala). Similarly, we can find Shakespeare’s lover comparing his mistress
to the other beauties where he says that her hair is just like black wires and he finds no red glow
on her cheeks. Music is sweeter than her voice and the speaker falsely jokes on her beauty.
With such a comparison, it can be said that the Romanticism is just a hyperbole, which
Shakespeare wanted to point out. A lover needs to be like a goddess and she should be an
epitome of perfection. The lady should have her lips red like the coral and her eyes should be
like the sun (Shakespeare). With these comparisons, the great poet tried to subvert the original
norms of love. His poems had been an ode to the love which had been materialized. He in his
other sonnets had written about the dark lady, and in this manner he never wanted to write about
the perfect lady. His odes and sonnets were actually dedicated to the imperfect man and to the
entire patriarchy. Love is love. One cannot define love with beauty or objectify it with attributes.
This is what William Shakespeare wanted to talk about in his sonnet.

2ANALYSIS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S POEM
Works Cited:
Kędra-Kardela, Anna. "William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130: A Conceptual Integration Analysis
of Parody." BAS British and American Studies 21 (2015): 173-181.
Shakespeare, William. "SONNET# 130: MY MISTRESS'EYES ARE NOTHING LIKE THE
SUN." Poetry Foundation (2016).