Question

Read the second quatrain from "Sonnet 130." (1) I have seen roses damask’d, red and white, (2) But no such roses see I in her cheeks; (3) And in some perfumes is there more delight (4) Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.

Answer 1

Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 130' uses its second quatrain to draw non-idealized comparisons between the mistress and elements of nature-roses and perfumes, thereby debunking common romantic descriptions of women in poetry.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this second quatrain of Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 130,' the poet is comparing his lover's physical attributes to nature, specifically roses and perfumes. The phrases 'I have seen roses damask’d, red and white' and 'But no such roses see I in her cheeks' suggest he does not find her cheeks as colourful as roses.

Additionally, 'And in some perfumes is there more delight Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks'

implies that her breath is not as pleasant as perfume. This is part of Shakespeare's larger theme in the sonnet, where he demystifies the typical romanticized comparison of women in poetry.

Learn more about Sonnet 130