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  1. The theme of this sonnet is undoubtedly love, but the poet explores a dark side of love as he describes the longing and despair over a betrayal from a lover. But the poet also tries to portray strength by showing freedom and resilience. Sonnet 11 Summary

    The theme of this sonnet is undoubtedly love, but the poet explores a dark side of love as he describes the longing and despair over a betrayal from a lover. But the poet also tries to portray strength by showing freedom and resilience.

    Sonnet 11 Summary

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  1. The main issue of Sonnet 11 is unrequited love and the tremendous emotional pain it causes the author. The speaker's ongoing suffering and anguish due to their unrequited love are explored throughout the poem. The poet expresses a deep desire for the suffering to stop. The speaker pleads for 'Love'Read more

    The main issue of Sonnet 11 is unrequited love and the tremendous emotional pain it causes the author. The speaker’s ongoing suffering and anguish due to their unrequited love are explored throughout the poem. The poet expresses a deep desire for the suffering to stop. The speaker pleads for ‘Love’ to quit upsetting her and to ease her anguish to some extent.

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  1. 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.

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