Sonnet 130

Catarina Sousa
Mr. Perez
AP English
4 November 2011
Sonnet 130
In the Shakespearean sonnet, “Sonnet 130”, we are presented with a settling amount of literary devices. But, one that sticks out the most happens to be imagery. Imagery is perceived in this poem to describe the beloved. He uses words such as “coral”, “snow”, “roses”, etc. You may think he compares his beloved to these wonders of nature, but instead he tells us she is the complete opposite. The speaker states that although her looks have no qualities worth speaking of, he reminds us that his love for her is the truest there is and no other man’s love can compare. The narrorator knows that there are better things in life than this mistress, but he makes us believe that although he can do better, he has no intention to do so. The imagery of nature in this poem relates to the decision because in nature, you take what you get and make the most of it. Love, as weather or earth’s natural plants and creatures, is spontaneous. You enjoy the beauty, but you know better things await. But, his tone begins to change towards the end while he uses imagery of heaven and swears by God that he truly loves this mistress and wouldn’t trade her for anything. Basically, the imagery in this Shakespearean poem challenges the traditional image of beauty and keeps a focus on the realistic part of his mistress, her inner soul.