Background Information

Make sure to answer all the questions marked in bold in your short response. 

Shakespeare's first sonnets appeared in 1609.  His sonnet style was different than those poets that came before him.  Originally, the Italian or Petrachian sonnets, had  two stanzas: the first eight lines are called an octave and have the rhyme-scheme abba abba; the second six lines are called a sestet and have the rhyme-scheme cdecde or cdcdcd. Edmund Spencer developed a new type of sonnet called the Spenserian sonnet, which has three quatrains and a heroic couplet, in iambic pentameter with rhymes ababbcbccdcdee.  Shakespeare created his own type of sonnet, called the English or Shakesperian sonnet.  His has has three quatrains and a heroic couplet, in iambic pentameter with rhymes ababcdcdefefgg.  Shakespeare's heroic couplet (the last two lines of the poem) often add a twist or surprise meaning to the poem.  As you read this poem see if you can figure out what the twist is.  How do the last two lines change what he has previously said throughout the poem? 

Shakespeare wrote a total of 152 sonnets.  Although the sonnets fail to tell a fluid story, like Edmund Spenser's did, they do fall into three separate categories.  This sonnet, number 130, falls into the third category (Sonnets 127-152) in which he addresses a figure whom critics call the "dark lady".  In this category of sonnets the poet expresses his love for this "dark lady".  He speaks of his admiration for the lady, admits her faults, and speaks of his sadness when the lady betrays him.  As you read this sonnet try to figure out what exactly he is saying about this "dark lady"; is he admiring her, admitting her faults, or expressing sadness over her betrayal? 

This sonnet is also one of Shakespeare's most famous because he did something completely original with it.  It was a common tradition to express a woman's beauty by comparing it to natural elements, such as:  lips as red as rubies, skin clear as snow, hair like spun flax, etc.  This style of poetry was so popular in the Elizabethian era that the comparisons became cliche--we often still use them today.  This type of poetry is called a blazon.  Shakespeare switched things around though.  He compared his lover to less-than-ideal natural features and mocked the typical blazon style of past poetry.  His original and unique work became so famous that this type of poetry is now called an anti-blazon.  As you read this poem see if you can figure out what types of comparisons Shakespeare makes between the "dark lady" and nature?  Do you consider these comparisons to be flattering to the lady?  Can you determine how he made fun of the poem? 

ENJOY!