This form allows for development of two aspects of the theme, broadening the perspective of the piece (Davis et al. Similarly, the sestet is split into two three-line stanzas, or tercets. This is achieved by splitting the eight-line octave into two four-line stanzas, or quatrains. The main characteristic of the Petrarchan sonnet form is its two-part structure. Petrarch’s “Sonnet 292” is written in the 14-line Italian sonnet form consisting of an eight-line octave and a six-line sestet. The first major difference between the two sonnets is the sonnet form used. As can be seen in “Sonnet 292” from the Canzoniere, the extensive use of metaphor and the idealization of Petrarch’s female subject are characteristic of the Petrarchan sonnet. Conversely, Petrarch’s work is rich in imagery, and does not spare a syllable in its glorification and deification of the object of his desires, Laura.
![sonnet 130 meaning sonnet 130 meaning](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/shakespeare-sonnet130pp-140924145811-phpapp02/95/shakespeare-sonnet130pp-1-638.jpg)
Shakespeare appears to be making light of the metaphor and exaggerated comparison found in Petrarch’s work by offering an English sonnet describing the very un-goddess-like nature of this dark mistress (Davis et al. Additionally, it is apparent that in “Sonnet 130,” Shakespeare actually satirizes Petrarch’s style and musings as his narrator describes his mistress, whose “eyes are nothing like the sun” (Shakespeare 3: 106). While they each approach the subject of their poems through sonnet forms, there are fundamental differences in their style and form, as well as in the way they undergo the discussion of their subjects. Which was that love is found not in stereotypical perfection, but deep love for someone inside, which I think resonates to todays stereotype on what we think is ‘perfection’ of a woman.Petrarch and Shakespeare are two poets known for their work on the subject of love. The rhyming couplet concludes with Shakespeare’s true feelings about his mistress and leaves us feeling more understanding about what Shakespeare was trying to portray. And yet by heaven I think my love as rare, ”this quote shows that no matter what, Shakespeare loves his mistress even if she is not perfect she does not need to be in his eyes. This is confirmed in line 13, which is the start of the concluding rhyming couplet. I think Shakespeare is trying to portray the fact that a goddess, or perfect woman is unobtainable.
![sonnet 130 meaning sonnet 130 meaning](https://docplayer.net/docs-images/47/21096759/images/page_8.jpg)
Lines 11 and 12 give’s us a contrast between a goddess and a ‘real’ woman. “I love to hear her speak” This changes the way we think Shakespeare see’s his mistress and begins to express the true meaning of all the negative imagery in the first 2 quatrains. The Volta at the start of quatrain 3, line 9, turns the poem around to begin Shakespeare’s true feelings towards his mistress. Quatrain 2 is filled with negative imagery, the one that stands out for me as the most seemingly hurtful towards his mistress still being compared to ‘perfection’ is “…the breath that from my mistress reeks” This line especially gives you the impression that Shakespeare does not love his mistress. Quatrain 2 begins with a personal pronoun, which brings in a more personal approach. …black wires grow on her head” We really get the impression that Shakespeare is not in love with his mistress and that he is longing for the perfect looking woman. Where negative imagery about his mistress is introduced. This Stereotypical comparison is carried on through the metaphors in lines 3 and 4.
![sonnet 130 meaning sonnet 130 meaning](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZFu81G8JNGw/maxresdefault.jpg)
The ideas in the simile are developed further through the metaphor in line two where more positive imagery is used comparing Shakespeare’s mistress with a stereotypical perfect woman.
![sonnet 130 meaning sonnet 130 meaning](https://i.etsystatic.com/12677645/r/il/9dd325/1718020002/il_794xN.1718020002_1ex0.jpg)
This idea of natural imagery is used throughout the poem as it was seen as conventional beauty in the Elizabethan times. Shakespeare compares his mistress eyes that are nothing like the natural image of the sun.