Amer. Lit
Possible Essay Questions:
1. Consider the imagery used in Shakespeare’s assigned sonnets, Herrick’s “To the Virgins,” and Marvell’s “To His Coy Mistress.” Although their images differ, what do all these poets seem to be saying about time? Be specific when referring to the poems.
The imagery is very different, but all of the poems and poets seem to be saying time is important in life. In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 he says, “And every fair from fair sometime declines,” when explaining the inevitable decline in appearance of his friend (Line 7). In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 29 he says, “I all alone beweep my outcast state,” suggesting that he regrets the decisions he has made in his life and might have made different decisions if he was given the time (Line 2). In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 73 he says, “That on the ashes of his youth doth lie, / As the deathbed whereon it must expire,” implying that his friends youth will not last forever (Lines 10 – 11). In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 he says, “rosy lips and cheeks / Within his bending sickle’s compass come” (Lines 10 – 11). Sonnet 116 mentions that love will outlast time, but also insinuates in lines 10 and 11 that his physical appearance will decline. In Herricks “To the Virgins, to make Most of Time” he says, “Then be not coy, but use your time, / And while ye may, go marry,” suggesting to live life to the fullest (Lines 13 – 14). In Mervell’s “To His Coy Mistress” he says, “Rather at once our time devour,” when trying to convince a lady to make love to him (Line39). Line 39 is significant because the speaker is suggesting that they should satisfy their lustful temptations while there is still time. All of these poems and poets us different imagery ranging from insects to seasons of the year, but the overall theme is the same. Time is important and should not be wasted.
2. How do Shakespeare’s sonnets differ from other sonnets of the time? Use specific details from at least two sonnets as examples.
Shakespeare’s
1. Consider the imagery used in Shakespeare’s assigned sonnets, Herrick’s “To the Virgins,” and Marvell’s “To His Coy Mistress.” Although their images differ, what do all these poets seem to be saying about time? Be specific when referring to the poems.
The imagery is very different, but all of the poems and poets seem to be saying time is important in life. In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 he says, “And every fair from fair sometime declines,” when explaining the inevitable decline in appearance of his friend (Line 7). In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 29 he says, “I all alone beweep my outcast state,” suggesting that he regrets the decisions he has made in his life and might have made different decisions if he was given the time (Line 2). In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 73 he says, “That on the ashes of his youth doth lie, / As the deathbed whereon it must expire,” implying that his friends youth will not last forever (Lines 10 – 11). In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 he says, “rosy lips and cheeks / Within his bending sickle’s compass come” (Lines 10 – 11). Sonnet 116 mentions that love will outlast time, but also insinuates in lines 10 and 11 that his physical appearance will decline. In Herricks “To the Virgins, to make Most of Time” he says, “Then be not coy, but use your time, / And while ye may, go marry,” suggesting to live life to the fullest (Lines 13 – 14). In Mervell’s “To His Coy Mistress” he says, “Rather at once our time devour,” when trying to convince a lady to make love to him (Line39). Line 39 is significant because the speaker is suggesting that they should satisfy their lustful temptations while there is still time. All of these poems and poets us different imagery ranging from insects to seasons of the year, but the overall theme is the same. Time is important and should not be wasted.
2. How do Shakespeare’s sonnets differ from other sonnets of the time? Use specific details from at least two sonnets as examples.
Shakespeare’s