Analysis of 'My Mistress' Eyes Are Nothing Like the Sun'
Poem: Sonnet 130 by William Shakespeare
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;
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damasked, 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.
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;
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.
Introduction
Shakespeare's Sonnet 130 is a unique love poem that contrasts with traditional sonnets, which often
exaggerate the beauty of the beloved. Instead of idealizing his mistress, Shakespeare presents a
realistic and humorous description. The final couplet reveals his genuine love.
Line-by-Line Explanation
1. 'My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;' - Her eyes are not bright like the sun.
2. 'Coral is far more red than her lips' red;' - Coral is more vivid than her lips.
3. 'If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;' - Her skin is not snow-white.
4. 'If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.' - Her hair is like black wires.
5. 'I have seen roses damasked, red and white, But no such roses see I in her cheeks;' - Her cheeks
are not rosy like a flower.
6. 'And in some perfumes is there more delight Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.' -
Perfumes smell better than her breath.
7. 'I love to hear her speak, yet well I know That music hath a far more pleasing sound;' - Her voice
is not as melodious as music.
8. 'I grant I never saw a goddess go; My mistress when she walks treads on the ground.' - She is not
a goddess; she walks like any woman.
9. 'And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare As any she belied with false compare.' - Despite
lacking ideal beauty, his love is true and rare.
Literary Devices
1. **Imagery** - Vivid descriptions of the mistress.
2. **Irony** - Contrasts unrealistic praise with reality.
3. **Parody** - Mocks conventional love poetry.
4. **Alliteration** - 'My mistress' eyes', 'music more pleasing'.
5. **Satire** - Criticizes unrealistic beauty ideals.
6. **Antithesis** - Contrast between poetic clichés and real love.
7. **Metaphor** - 'Black wires grow on her head'.
Critical Word Meanings
1. 'Dun' - A dull brownish color (opposite of ideal fairness).
2. 'Reeks' - Strong odor, humorous criticism.
3. 'Damasked' - A mix of red and white roses.
4. 'Treads on the ground' - She is human, not divine.
5. 'Belied' - False comparisons in love poetry.
Conclusion
Shakespeare's Sonnet 130 challenges exaggerated beauty standards in poetry. It humorously
criticizes false comparisons while affirming genuine love.
