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Compare and contrast petrarch sonnet 18 and shakepeare sonnet 130
Sample Answer
An Exploration of Love: Petrarch’s Sonnet 18 and Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130
Petrarch’s Sonnet 18 and Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 are both beautiful examples of sonnets that delve into the complexities of love. While they share the same poetic form, these two sonnets present contrasting perspectives on love, offering unique insights into the nature of romantic relationships. This essay will compare and contrast Petrarch’s Sonnet 18 and Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130, highlighting their differing approaches to love and the portrayal of the beloved.
In Petrarch’s Sonnet 18, the speaker idealizes and glorifies the object of his affection. The poem follows the traditional pattern of Petrarchan sonnets, with an octave presenting the problem or question, followed by a sestet offering a resolution or answer. The speaker describes the beauty and perfection of his beloved, comparing her to heavenly entities such as angels and the sun. The language used is highly elevated and metaphorical, emphasizing the ethereal qualities of the beloved. The speaker’s love is characterized by admiration, reverence, and a sense of awe.
In contrast, Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 takes a more realistic and unconventional approach to love. The speaker in this sonnet challenges traditional notions of beauty by expressing his love for his mistress despite her perceived flaws. Unlike Petrarch’s idealized depiction, Shakespeare’s speaker presents a more down-to-earth description of his beloved. He acknowledges her imperfections, such as her dark complexion, wiry hair, and less-than-perfect breath. However, the sonnet takes a twist in its final couplet, revealing that the speaker’s love for his mistress is true and enduring despite her unconventional beauty.
One notable difference between these two sonnets is their tone. Petrarch’s Sonnet 18 exudes a tone of adulation and reverence, almost bordering on worship. The language used is lofty and exaggerated, reflecting the speaker’s intense feelings of love and devotion. On the other hand, Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 adopts a more playful and realistic tone. The speaker employs irony and wit to challenge conventional beauty standards, creating a more lighthearted and humorous atmosphere.
The portrayal of the beloved also varies significantly between the two sonnets. In Petrarch’s Sonnet 18, the beloved is depicted as an idealized and unattainable object of desire. She is described in celestial terms, with her beauty surpassing that of earthly beings. The speaker’s love for her is almost unrequited, representing a distant and unattainable longing. In contrast, Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 presents a more human and relatable depiction of the beloved. Despite her physical imperfections, the speaker’s love for her is genuine and enduring. This portrayal challenges societal beauty standards and emphasizes the value of true love beyond outward appearances.
In conclusion, Petrarch’s Sonnet 18 and Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 provide contrasting perspectives on love and the portrayal of the beloved. While Petrarch’s sonnet idealizes and elevates the object of affection, Shakespeare’s sonnet challenges conventional notions of beauty and celebrates love beyond physical appearances. These two sonnets showcase the power of poetry to explore the complexities of human emotions and offer unique insights into the nature of love. Whether through idealization or realism, both sonnets capture the essence of love in their own distinct ways.
