Question

Read "Sonnet 14” by Elizabeth Barret Browning. If thou must love me, let it be for nought Except for love's sake only. Do not say, "I love her for her smile—her look—her way Of speaking gently,—for a trick of thought That falls in well with mine, and certes brought A sense of pleasant ease on such a day”— For these things in themselves, Belovèd, may Be changed, or change for thee,—and love, so wrought, May be unwrought so. Neither love me for Thine own dear pity's wiping my cheeks dry: A creature might forget to weep, who bore Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby! But love me for love's sake, that evermore Thou mayst love on, through love's eternity. Which statement best states the central idea of the sonnet? Love should not be based on superficial things. Love changes over time, and it cannot be relied on. The love they shared is over, and he is free to move on. The love they have should be comforting but makes her cry.

Answer 1

This "Sonnet 14" is extracted from Elizabeth B. Browning's "Sonnets from the Portuguese". This particular part of the collection portrays the nature of affection (love) which the speaker expects from her suitor. She explains how she wants to make memories if a relationship sparks. However, she also alerts the suitor by emphasizing the definition of a "sweet" and "loving" lady, in her lines: "...love her for her smile -- her look.... speaking gently...”

Now, let's talk about the style, form, and literary devices implied in the sonnet. "If you must love me" is an Italian/Petrarchan sonnet. It contains a melodious rhyming scheme that is separated into two halves, viz., an octave (two sets having four lines) and a sestet (two sets with three lines).

The key device of the sonnet is the complexity between reasons individuals fall in love, remain in love, or drop out of adoration with the most extreme purpose-love itself. E.B. Browning arranges the lyric in a structure that emphasizes this subtle difference of perception. For instance, the poem is marked by the reiteration of the expression, "for love’s sake." When one notes the expression the second time, in the very final line of the lyric, it is upheld up by the contention Barrett Browning has made to her suitor—a conflict that has tied the temperament of the audience. The argument is, basically that, earthly temptations for such things as excellence and beauty should not demean the value of the everlasting idea of love.

To conclude, the final lines of the sonnet reiterate her entire request and contain the central idea of “selfless love”. She wants nothing except his love She wishes for her darling to love her for only the good of love, nothing else. This will guarantee that there love to thrive forever.

She trusts that if no one but they can go to a place in which their love depends on affection alone and is not reliant on any physical or mental inclinations, at that point it will keep going forever.

Answer 2

Answer:

Which statement best states the central idea of the sonnet?

A- Love should not be based on superficial things.

Explanation: