Hi, I'm doing some questions about comparing and contrasting sonnet 130 and sonnet 18. Could you help me with this one question I would appreciate it. Thanks

The diction of this peom is much harsher than that of the previous poem. Why might that be and how does it affect the poem?

I'm not in a rush but I need help.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare's_sonnets

Read the whole article, including the 2nd paragraph, carefully; this may tell you some reasons why 18 and 130 are so different. Also check out all the External Links at the bottom of this webpage.

http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/shakesonnets/section1.html
and
http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/shakesonnets/section3.rhtml

The diction, or choice of words, in Sonnet 130 is indeed much harsher compared to Sonnet 18. This shift in diction can be attributed to the contrasting themes and intentions of the two sonnets.

Sonnet 18, often referred to as "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day," is a conventional love sonnet that celebrates the beauty of the beloved. The poem employs romantic and flattering language, using words like "lovely," "fair," and "temperate." The overall tone of Sonnet 18 is one of admiration and praise.

On the other hand, Sonnet 130, also known as "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun," takes a different approach. Rather than using conventional compliments, it highlights the flaws and imperfections of the mistress while simultaneously expressing the speaker's genuine love and affection for her. As a result, the diction becomes more blunt and unflattering, using words such as "dun," "black wires," "reeks," and "roses damasked." This harsher diction serves to paint a more realistic and down-to-earth portrait of the mistress.

The effect of this harsher diction in Sonnet 130 is that it subverts the traditional expectations of beauty and romantic language found in love poetry. By using unflattering descriptions, the poem challenges the conventions of standard beauty and clichéd compliments. It demonstrates that love and attraction can exist beyond superficial physical appearances. This contrasting diction helps to create a more honest and sincere portrayal of the speaker's love, making the poem more relatable and thought-provoking for the reader.

Certainly! In order to answer this question, we need to compare the diction of Sonnet 130 and Sonnet 18 and analyze why one might be harsher than the other and how it impacts the poem.

First, let's start by understanding what diction means. Diction refers to the choice of words and phrases made by the poet or writer. It encompasses the vocabulary, tone, and style employed in the poem.

When comparing Sonnet 130 ("My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun") with Sonnet 18 ("Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"), we can observe that the diction in Sonnet 130 is indeed harsher than that in Sonnet 18. Sonnet 130 uses more direct and realistic language, while Sonnet 18 uses more elevated and figurative language.

One possible reason for the harsher diction in Sonnet 130 is that it aims to challenge traditional conventions of poetic praise and romanticism. The speaker in Sonnet 130 presents a more honest and realistic portrayal of his beloved, highlighting her imperfections and non-conventional beauty. By using straightforward, plain words, the poem rejects the usual exaggerated and idealized comparisons found in typical love poetry.

This harsher diction in Sonnet 130 affects the poem in a few ways. Firstly, it creates a sharp contrast with the conventional language and imagery of Sonnet 18. This contrast enables the reader to see the speaker's honesty and willingness to go against societal norms. Secondly, the stark and unflattering descriptions in Sonnet 130 add a touch of humor, as the speaker's love for his mistress is not based on superficial beauty, but on a genuine appreciation for her unique qualities. Lastly, the harsh diction contributes to the overall theme of acceptance and genuine love, allowing the reader to question the nature of beauty and the value of honesty in relationships.

To summarize, the harsher diction in Sonnet 130 compared to Sonnet 18 serves to challenge traditional poetic conventions and explore the theme of honesty and acceptance in love. It provides a contrast, adds humor, and emphasizes the poem's message of genuine love beyond outward appearances.