Shakespeare's Sonnets

Front

What is the main theme of Sonnet 116?

Back

The main theme of Sonnet 116 is the unwavering and eternal nature of true love, which remains constant despite challenges and changes.

Front

What does the term 'iambic pentameter' refer to?

Back

Iambic pentameter is a type of poetic meter that consists of five iambs (a metrical foot with one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable) per line, totaling ten syllables.

Front

What is the significance of the 'ever fixed mark' in Sonnet 116?

Back

The 'ever fixed mark' symbolizes a guiding light or a constant point of reference in love, akin to a lighthouse that remains steadfast amidst storms.

Front

What literary device is predominantly used in Shakespeare's sonnets?

Back

The predominant literary device used in Shakespeare's sonnets is metaphor, which allows for deeper exploration of themes such as love, beauty, and time.

Front

How does Sonnet 29 express feelings of envy?

Back

In Sonnet 29, the speaker expresses envy by wishing to be like others who possess more hope and friendship, highlighting feelings of inadequacy.

Front

What is a quatrain in the context of a sonnet?

Back

A quatrain is a stanza of four lines, often used in sonnets to develop a specific idea or theme.

Front

What does the term 'couplet' mean in poetry?

Back

A couplet is a pair of consecutive lines of poetry that typically rhyme and have the same meter.

Front

What is the emotional tone of Sonnet 73?

Back

The emotional tone of Sonnet 73 is reflective and melancholic, as the speaker contemplates aging and the passage of time.

Front

What does the speaker in Sonnet 73 compare himself to?

Back

In Sonnet 73, the speaker compares himself to the autumnal leaves, symbolizing the decline of youth and vitality.

Front

What is the rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet?

Back

The rhyme scheme of a Shakespearean sonnet is ABABCDCDEFEFGG.