D It sets up a contrast at the start and then develops it to greater and greater lengths before reversing it with the couplet at the end.
The sonnet structure of "How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)" contributes to the meaning of the poem by allowing the speaker to first establish the depth and breadth of their love in a structured and organized way. The speaker counts the ways they love the other person, expanding on each way with descriptive language and similes. This structure allows the speaker to build upon their love and emphasize the different aspects and depths of it. The final couplet then provides a conclusion that reflects on the eternal nature of their love, showing that it will continue even after death. The progression from listing ways of love to the ultimate conclusion enhances the meaning of the poem and the depth of the speaker's feelings.
How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)"
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
How does the sonnet structure contribute to the meaning of the poem?
Responses
A It does not have any effect on the meaning of the poem.It does not have any effect on the meaning of the poem.
B It sets up an idea at the beginning and expands it with similes before extending it in the last two lines.It sets up an idea at the beginning and expands it with similes before extending it in the last two lines.
C It sets up a humorous situation in the first part, then changes to a more serious one with the couplet at the end.It sets up a humorous situation in the first part, then changes to a more serious one with the couplet at the end.
D It sets up a contrast at the start and then develops it to greater and greater lengths before reversing it with the couplet at the end.
1 answer