Repetition: The repetition of the phrase "Sleep, pretty wantons, do not cry" and "And I will sing a lullaby" emphasizes the comforting and consoling nature of sleep, reinforcing the central theme. Metaphor: The comparison of care to a heavy burden in the line "Care is heavy, therefore sleep you" useRead more
- Repetition: The repetition of the phrase “Sleep, pretty wantons, do not cry” and “And I will sing a lullaby” emphasizes the comforting and consoling nature of sleep, reinforcing the central theme.
- Metaphor: The comparison of care to a heavy burden in the line “Care is heavy, therefore sleep you” uses metaphor to convey the idea that sleep can lighten the weight of worries.
- Alliteration: The rhythmic and melodic quality in the phrase “Rock them, rock them, lullaby” is achieved through the repetition of the “r” sound. This use of alliteration enhances the poem’s lullaby-like atmosphere, adding to its musical and soothing tone.
- Imagery: The poem vividly describes the image of gentle slumbers embracing the eyes and smiles greeting the sleeper upon waking. This imagery engages the senses and adds a dreamlike quality to the verse.
Rhetorical question: In order to pique the reader's interest and convey the extent of their emotional suffering, the speaker uses rhetorical questions. "How long will you delight in my sad pain?" is one of those questions. The questions "Shall I still love, and ever feel disdain?" make her feel helpRead more
Rhetorical question: In order to pique the reader’s interest and convey the extent of their emotional suffering, the speaker uses rhetorical questions. “How long will you delight in my sad pain?” is one of those questions. The questions “Shall I still love, and ever feel disdain?” make her feel helpless and yearn for solutions.
Metaphor: The speaker’s understanding of fate as an active force that can either cause harm or provide comfort is conveyed by the metaphor of “cruel fortunes”, finding release and rectifying problems.
Personification: The extract is filled with personifications of love. The speaker talks about love as though it may make people happy, show them favour, or make them feel contemptuous. This personification gives the impersonal idea of love a more human touch.
Imagery: The poem’s emotional impact is increased by the use of strong imagery. Words like “feed not my heart with sharp distress” effectively convey the speaker’s emotional experience through imagery.
Sonnet 11 Summary
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