Sonnet 130: My Mistress’ Eyes Are Nothing Like The Sun
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.
Sonnet Line 1:
“My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Mistress: Beloved or lover.
- Nothing like the sun: Not bright or radiant like the sun.
Explanation:
The speaker begins by rejecting the conventional poetic comparison of a lover’s eyes to the sun. This line sets the tone for the sonnet, which is a playful and realistic portrayal of the beloved, contrasting with the exaggerated metaphors often found in love poetry. The tone is straightforward and humorous, challenging traditional ideals of beauty.
Sonnet Line 2:
“Coral is far more red, than her lips red:”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Coral: A deep red color, often used in poetic comparisons.
- Far more red: Much redder.
Explanation:
The speaker continues to reject conventional comparisons, stating that coral is much redder than the beloved’s lips. This line emphasizes the speaker’s refusal to idealize the beloved, instead offering a realistic and honest description. The tone is playful, highlighting the speaker’s rejection of clichéd praise.
Sonnet Line 3:
“If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Snow be white: Snow is traditionally white.
- Dun: A dull grayish-brown color.
Explanation:
The speaker contrasts the traditional comparison of a lover’s skin to snow, stating that the beloved’s breasts are a dull, earthy color. This line reinforces the speaker’s commitment to realism, rejecting the idealized descriptions common in love poetry. The tone is matter-of-fact, emphasizing the speaker’s honesty.
Sonnet Line 4:
“If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Hairs be wires: A traditional comparison of hair to golden wires.
- Black wires: A realistic description of dark, coarse hair.
Explanation:
The speaker humorously describes the beloved’s hair as “black wires,” rejecting the conventional comparison to golden threads. This line continues the theme of realism, offering a playful and unconventional portrayal of the beloved. The tone is lighthearted, underscoring the speaker’s rejection of poetic clichés.
Sonnet Line 5:
“I have seen roses damasked, red and white,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Damasked: Variegated or mixed in color.
Explanation:
The speaker acknowledges the beauty of roses, which are often used as a metaphor for a lover’s cheeks. This line sets up a contrast with the beloved’s appearance, emphasizing the speaker’s preference for realism over idealized comparisons. The tone is reflective, highlighting the speaker’s awareness of traditional poetic conventions.
Sonnet Line 6:
“But no such roses see I in her cheeks;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- No such roses: No such beauty or color.
Explanation:
The speaker states that the beloved’s cheeks do not resemble the beauty of roses, rejecting the conventional metaphor. This line reinforces the speaker’s commitment to honesty and realism, refusing to exaggerate the beloved’s appearance. The tone is straightforward, emphasizing the speaker’s sincerity.
Sonnet Line 7:
“And in some perfumes is there more delight”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Perfumes: Fragrances or scents.
- More delight: Greater pleasure.
Explanation:
The speaker compares the beloved’s breath to perfumes, suggesting that some scents are more pleasing. This line continues the theme of realism, offering a humorous and unconventional description of the beloved. The tone is playful, highlighting the speaker’s rejection of idealized comparisons.
Sonnet Line 8:
“Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Reeks: Emits a strong or unpleasant odor.
Explanation:
The speaker humorously describes the beloved’s breath as unpleasant, rejecting the conventional comparison to sweet fragrances. This line underscores the speaker’s commitment to honesty and realism, even if it means describing the beloved in unflattering terms. The tone is lighthearted, emphasizing the speaker’s playful approach.
Sonnet Line 9:
“I love to hear her speak, yet well I know”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Love to hear her speak: Enjoy listening to her voice.
- Well I know: Am fully aware.
Explanation:
The speaker expresses genuine affection for the beloved’s voice, but acknowledges that it is not as melodious as music. This line balances the speaker’s honesty with their appreciation for the beloved, highlighting the complexity of their feelings. The tone is affectionate, underscoring the speaker’s sincerity.
Sonnet Line 10:
“That music hath a far more pleasing sound:”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Music hath: Music has.
- Far more pleasing sound: Much more pleasant to listen to.
Explanation:
The speaker admits that music is more pleasing than the beloved’s voice, continuing the theme of realism. This line reinforces the speaker’s refusal to idealize the beloved, instead offering a balanced and honest portrayal. The tone is straightforward, emphasizing the speaker’s commitment to truth.
Sonnet Line 11:
“I grant I never saw a goddess go,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Grant: Admit or acknowledge.
- Goddess go: A goddess walk or move.
Explanation:
The speaker acknowledges that they have never seen a goddess, rejecting the conventional comparison of a lover to a divine being. This line emphasizes the speaker’s preference for realism over idealized descriptions. The tone is reflective, highlighting the speaker’s awareness of poetic conventions.
Sonnet Line 12:
“My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Treads on the ground: Walks like an ordinary person.
Explanation:
The speaker describes the beloved as an ordinary person who walks on the ground, rejecting the idea of her as a divine or ethereal being. This line reinforces the speaker’s commitment to realism and honesty. The tone is matter-of-fact, emphasizing the speaker’s sincerity.
Sonnet Line 13:
“And yet by heaven, I think my love as rare,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- By heaven: A solemn oath or affirmation.
- Rare: Exceptional or extraordinary.
Explanation:
The speaker concludes by affirming that their love for the beloved is as extraordinary as any idealized love. This line shifts the tone from playful realism to heartfelt sincerity, emphasizing the depth of the speaker’s affection. The tone is passionate, underscoring the speaker’s genuine love.
Sonnet Line 14:
“As any she belied with false compare.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- She belied: Women misrepresented.
- False compare: Exaggerated or unrealistic comparisons.
Explanation:
The speaker declares that their love is as genuine and extraordinary as any love described through exaggerated comparisons. This line reinforces the speaker’s rejection of idealized descriptions, affirming the value of honest and realistic love. The tone is triumphant, emphasizing the speaker’s celebration of true affection.
In-Depth Analysis of Sonnet 130
Summary
Sonnet 130 is one of Shakespeare’s most famous and unconventional love poems. Instead of idealizing his mistress with exaggerated comparisons, the speaker deliberately undercuts traditional poetic clichés used in love poetry.
The sonnet begins by rejecting common metaphors: the mistress’s eyes are not like the sun, her lips are not as red as coral, her breasts are not pure white like snow, and her hair is not golden but instead like “black wires.” The speaker continues dismantling typical praise by noting that her cheeks lack the rosy hue of damask roses, her breath is not as fragrant as perfumes, and her voice is not as melodious as music.
However, despite this refusal to idealize her, the speaker declares in the closing couplet that his love for her is “as rare” as any woman falsely glorified by exaggerated poetic comparisons. The poem ultimately conveys a sincere and realistic appreciation of his mistress, suggesting that true love does not require artificial embellishment.
Critical Analysis
Sonnet 130 is a parody of the Petrarchan love tradition, in which poets compared their beloveds to natural wonders—eyes shining like stars, lips redder than rubies, skin whiter than snow. Shakespeare humorously undermines these conventions by presenting an unflattering yet realistic portrait of his mistress.
However, this sonnet is not meant to insult the mistress. Instead, it critiques false comparisons and poetic exaggeration. By rejecting artificial beauty standards, the poem conveys a more honest and meaningful expression of love.
The humor in the poem lies in its deliberate anti-romanticism. The speaker bluntly states that his mistress’s features are ordinary, which at first seems unflattering. Yet, this honesty contrasts with the excessive idealization found in other sonnets of the era. The final couplet reveals the true message: love does not need to be based on unrealistic, exaggerated praise.
Structurally, the sonnet follows the Shakespearean sonnet form (three quatrains and a couplet) but subverts the expected tone. The first twelve lines systematically dismantle poetic clichés, while the final two lines deliver the twist—despite all this, his love is real and rare.
The poem is also notable for its ironic tone. The speaker seems to mock poetic conventions, yet he simultaneously celebrates a deeper, more authentic love. His rejection of false comparisons suggests that true beauty lies beyond superficial attributes.
Theme Analysis
- Realistic Love vs. Idealized Love
- The poem challenges the exaggerated praise found in traditional love poetry, suggesting that love does not need to rely on false comparisons.
- Beauty Beyond Appearances
- The speaker acknowledges his mistress’s ordinary features but still values her deeply, showing that love is not dependent on conventional beauty.
- Critique of Poetic Conventions
- Shakespeare mocks the artificial comparisons used by other poets, arguing for a more sincere portrayal of love.
- The Power of Honesty in Love
- By honestly describing his mistress, the speaker presents a love that is genuine rather than based on unrealistic ideals.
Literary Devices
- Parody and Satire
- The poem satirizes the exaggerated similes common in Elizabethan love poetry by presenting ordinary descriptions instead.
- Imagery
- “My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun” → Contrasts conventional beauty with reality.
- “If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head” → The blunt description emphasizes the rejection of poetic embellishment.
- Irony
- The poem appears to criticize the mistress’s appearance, but in reality, it is a critique of unrealistic poetic comparisons.
- Contrast
- The negative comparisons in the first 12 lines contrast with the final declaration of love, reinforcing the sincerity of his feelings.
- Rhyming Couplet
- The final lines provide the twist: despite rejecting poetic conventions, the speaker still finds his love “rare.”
Conclusion
Sonnet 130 is a bold rejection of traditional poetic exaggeration in love poetry. Shakespeare humorously dismisses the unrealistic comparisons used by other poets, replacing them with honest descriptions. However, rather than being a cruel critique, the poem celebrates love in its truest form—unaffected by superficial beauty. The final couplet reveals the true message: love does not need idealization to be meaningful.
By presenting a realistic depiction of his mistress, Shakespeare argues that true love is not based on false comparisons but on genuine affection. This makes Sonnet 130 one of the most refreshing and sincere expressions of love in the entire sequence.
