Read these lines from Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 130.”

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.

What experience does the word reeks describe?

Responses

a bad smell
a bad smell

a quiet whisper
a quiet whisper

a frowning mouth
a frowning mouth

a soft kiss

1 answer

The word "reeks" describes a bad smell. In the context of the lines, it suggests that the speaker is noting the unappealing scent of his mistress’s breath compared to more pleasant perfumes.