The structure of "Sonnet 116" follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, consisting of 14 lines with a specific rhyme scheme (ABABCDCDEFEFGG) and iambic pentameter. This tight structure reflects the poem's exploration of the steadfast and unchanging nature of true love, presenting a clear and focused argument that love endures despite challenges and changes over time. The conclusive couplet at the end reinforces this theme by asserting that if his definitions of love are wrong, then no true love exists at all.
Use the poem to answer the question. In 1-3 sentences, explain a conclusion that can be drawn about the poem based on its structure.
Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare 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.
1 answer
1 answer