Question

How does the comparison in line 1 of Sonnet XVIII contribute to the theme of the poem?

A.
It demonstrates that summer, like the poem's subject, has its flaws that are not obvious to the rest of the world.

B.
It illustrates that summer, like the poem's subject, returns to the speaker only one time per year and should be enjoyed.

C.
It introduces the link between summer and the poem's subject to illuminate the subject's enduring beauty.

D.
It expresses the speaker's admiration for the poem's subject, which is just as strong as the sunshine in summer

Answer 1

C

Line 1 ("Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?") sets up the comparison between summer and the poem's subject so the poet can show how the subject's beauty outlasts summer's transience, underscoring the poem's theme of enduring beauty.