Summary:
This poem, Sonnet 130, is a satirical take on traditional love poetry that exaggerates the beauty of women. Instead of making unrealistic comparisons, Shakespeare describes his mistress in a more truthful, human way. He states that her eyes are not as bright as the sun, her lips are not as red as coral, and her voice is not as pleasant as music. However, despite these seemingly unflattering comparisons, the poem concludes with the powerful declaration that his love for her is just as deep and rare as any other. Through this, Shakespeare emphasizes the beauty of honesty and the value of genuine love over idealized perfection.
MCQs:
- What is the central theme of this poem?
- A) The beauty of nature
- B) The unrealistic comparisons in love poetry
- C) The power of true love
- D) The sorrow of lost love
- Answer: B) The unrealistic comparisons in love poetry
- What literary device is primarily used in this poem?
- A) Metaphor
- B) Simile
- C) Satire
- D) Hyperbole
- Answer: C) Satire
- How does the poet describe his mistress’ lips?
- A) Red as coral
- B) Pale and colorless
- C) As beautiful as a rose
- D) As sharp as a knife
- Answer: A) Red as coral
My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun
- What is the poetic form of this poem?
- A) Petrarchan Sonnet
- B) Shakespearean Sonnet
- C) Free Verse
- D) Ballad
- Answer: B) Shakespearean Sonnet
- How does the poet describe his mistress’ hair?
- A) Golden and flowing
- B) Black wires growing on her head
- C) Soft as silk
- D) Curly and beautiful
- Answer: B) Black wires growing on her head
- What is the poet’s attitude toward conventional love poetry?
- A) He admires it
- B) He mocks it
- C) He follows its style
- D) He rejects poetry altogether
- Answer: B) He mocks it
- How does the poem end?
- A) By stating that his mistress is not beautiful
- B) By stating that his love is as rare as any other
- C) By saying he wishes she were more beautiful
- D) By comparing her to a goddess
- Answer: B) By stating that his love is as rare as any other
- What is the purpose of the comparisons in the poem?
- A) To insult the mistress
- B) To humorously reject exaggerated poetic comparisons
- C) To express disappointment in love
- D) To describe an ideal woman
- Answer: B) To humorously reject exaggerated poetic comparisons
- How does the poet describe his mistress’ voice?
- A) As sweet as music
- B) As loud as thunder
- C) Less pleasing than music
- D) As melodious as a bird’s song
- Answer: C) Less pleasing than music
- What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
- A) ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
- B) AABB CCDD EEFF GG
- C) ABC ABC DEF DEF
- D) AAB CDD EFF GG
- Answer: A) ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun |
| Poet | William Shakespeare |
| Year Written | Early 1600s |
| Year Published | 1609 |
| Poem Type | Shakespearean Sonnet |
| Themes | Reality vs. Idealism, True Love, Satire |
| Rhyme Scheme | ABAB CDCD EFEF GG |
| Literary Devices | Satire, Irony, Simile, Metaphor |
| Main Idea | Love should be based on truth, not exaggerated poetic comparisons. |