She Walks in Beauty

Question

George Gordon Byron

SHE walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light5
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;10
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,15
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

How are the descriptions of the women in both of these poems different? Responses A Byron describes his woman as joyful; Shakespeare describes his woman as hateful.Byron describes his woman as joyful; Shakespeare describes his woman as hateful. B Byron describes his woman as devilish; Shakespeare describes his woman as angelic.Byron describes his woman as devilish; Shakespeare describes his woman as angelic. C Byron describes his woman as mischievous; Shakespeare describes his woman as calm.Byron describes his woman as mischievous; Shakespeare describes his woman as calm. D Byron describes his woman as extraordinary; Shakespeare describes his woman ordinary.Byron describes his woman as extraordinary; Shakespeare describes his woman ordinary. Skip to navigation

Answer 1

The best response to the question regarding the contrast between the descriptions of women in Byron's "She Walks in Beauty" and Shakespeare's sonnets would be:

D Byron describes his woman as extraordinary; Shakespeare describes his woman as ordinary.

In "She Walks in Beauty," Byron elevates the woman to an extraordinary status through rich imagery, likening her beauty to "cloudless climes and starry skies," suggesting a sense of ethereal perfection. In contrast, many of Shakespeare's sonnets focus on the ordinary aspects of beauty, emphasizing flaws and human qualities, making his subjects appear relatable rather than divine or extraordinary.