AP English LitWilliams

Shakespeare’s SonnetsStudy Questions

Sonnet # 29

1. Is it believable that the mere thought of his beloved could change the speaker’s whole outlook on life? Why or why not?

2. Summarize the speaker’s state of mind before the shift that occurs in line 9.3. How does the meaning of the poem change if the reader interprets “thee” (line 10)

and “thy” (line 13) to refer to God instead of a romantic lover?4. Define the word state as it is used in this poem. How does this sonnet illustrate

the effects of love on the human spirit?

Sonnet # 116

1. What familiar part of the traditional Christian marriage service is echoed in the first line?

2. Notice that the poem celebrates “the marriage of true minds,” not of bodies. In a brief paragraph, summarize in your own words the nature of this kind of love.

3. What are the two negative definitions that Shakespeare uses to describe true love?4. What two comparisons does Shakespeare make in lines 5 – 8? What is the

connection between “an ever-fixed mark” and “the star”?5. What conflict between love and time is established in lines 8 – 12?

Sonnet # 73

1. How does the speaker portray himself in this sonnet?2. What are the controlling metaphors in each of the quatrains? How are they

related?3. How is a body like boughs, and how are bare boughs like a ruined choir loft?4. What happens to a fire when the fuel wood, coal, etc.) becomes ashes?5. How do you explain the idea expressed in the last two lines? Why would the

loved one’s love grow stronger when he/she sees that the speaker is getting older?6. Write a brief response to this sonnet in which you explore the relationship

between love and aging.

Sonnet # 130

1. What is the speaker’s attitude toward his mistress? Is he making fun of her? Do the “if…then” constructions help you figure out the distinction the speaker is making between the artificial comparisons and his real-life girlfriend?

2. How do the negative connotations of the words false and belied help you to figure out that the last two lines contain a true appraisal of the speaker’s mistress?

3. Paraphrase the last couplet.4. How does the poem’s argument divide up among the three quatrains and the

couplet?

Sonnet # 18

1. Describe Shakespeare’s treatment of the concept of love in the sonnet.2. How does Shakespeare use language and metaphor to present beauty in the

sonnet?3. Do you think the speaker has been successful in immortalizing his love in the

words of the poem? Explain.4. Try your hand at sonnet writing beginning with the first line:

“Shall I compare thee to a winter’s day?”