The work for this assignment will be broken down into different steps.
In general, you will be constructing an essay in which you compare and contrast the two poems you choose in order to make an argument (a main claim/thesis) that responds to the prompt above. In this way, you will be putting the sonnets “in conversation” with each other.
You will be considering not just what is being said, but how it is being said—that is to say, you will consider the form and the way the language is being used.
Your final draft should include an introduction that includes a main claim (thesis); body paragraphs with claims, quotes, and analysis (“close reading”) of the quotes; and a conclusion. You should make use of the OED at least once.
PLEASE USE FOLLOWING POEMS!
Sonnet 130 (1609)
William Shakespeare
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.
(Untitled – from the longer poem, Hekatompathia) (1581)
Thomas Watson
Hark you that list to hear what saint I serve:
Her yellow locks exceed the beaten gold;
Her sparkling eyes in heav’n a place deserve;
Her forehead high and fair of comely mold;
Her words are music all of silver sound;
Her wit so sharp as like can scarce be found;
Each eyebrow hangs like Iris in the skies;
Her Eagle’s nose is straight of stately frame;
On either cheek a Rose and Lily lies;
Her breath is sweet perfume, or holy flame;
Her lips more red than any Coral stone;
Her neck more white than aged Swans that moan;
Her breast transparent is, like Crystal rock;
Her fingers long, fit for Apollo’s Lute;
Her slipper such as Momus dare not mock;
Her virtues all so great as make me mute:
What other parts she hath I need not say,
Whose face alone is cause of my decay.