Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove; O no; it is an ever-fixed mark, That looks on tempests, and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle's compass come; Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error, and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Question

What is the meaning of the extended metaphor in this sonnet?

1. Love is beautiful, but it lasts only briefly, like roses that eventually fade on their bent stems.

2. Love is only true if it is unwavering in the face of adversity, like the unmoving position of a star in the sky.

3. Love is an obstacle to true happiness, bringing emotional challenges that are difficult to overcome.

4. Love leads to doom, so only fools who cannot recognize errors fall in love.

Answer 1

The extended metaphor in the sonnet most closely aligns with option 2: Love is only true if it is unwavering in the face of adversity, like the unmoving position of a star in the sky.

In this sonnet, Shakespeare emphasizes that true love remains constant and steadfast, regardless of external changes or challenges (represented by "tempests"). The references to an "ever-fixed mark" and the "star to every wandering bark" illustrate the idea that true love provides guidance and stability, contrasting with temporal changes and challenges (like the passing of time, symbolized by "Time's fool"). Thus, the central message is that genuine love endures and does not waver in difficult circumstances.