Name: __________________________
Section:
1
2
3
4
Sonnet 130
Part I: Impressions
My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun;
Coral is far more red than her lips’ red;
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;
1. Listen to the poem first with your eyes closed and visualize
what you hear. What images popped into your mind? (Feel free
to draw them.)
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damask’d, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
And in some perfumes is there more delight
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
2. Listen to the poem a second time with your eyes open and
circle or underline words that help create the mood.
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
That music hath a far more pleasing sound;
I grant I never saw a goddess go;
3. What do you think the mood of the poem is? (What feeling is
it meant to give readers?)
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare.
4. What do you THINK the main message of the poem is?
Sonnet 130
Part II: Decoding
My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun;
Directions: Follow steps 5-6 from “Steps to Deciphering
Shakespeare’s Poetry.”
Coral is far more red than her lips’ red;
SHOW YOUR THINKING!!
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
1. Define and/or translate key words and phrases within the text
of the poem.
I have seen roses damask’d, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
2. Identify literary devices in the poem. Give examples for
each one used. (Not each one is necessarily used.)
And in some perfumes is there more delight
simile:
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
metaphor:
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
That music hath a far more pleasing sound;
hyperbole:
I grant I never saw a goddess go;
alliteration:
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
repetition:
As any she belied with false compare.
personification: