Question

Compare Millay’s poem to Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 in terms of time period, imagery, and diction.Compare Millay’s poem to Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 in terms of time period, imagery, and diction.

Answer 1

Both poems express what love is not loveliever than by using imagery involving nature and vivid word choices.

Although being written centuries apart from one another they have many similarities when portraying their thoughts about love. For example, while Millay states that her love is not more beautiful than small white poppies, Shakespeare states that his love is not a goddess but an ordinary woman.

Both authors use poetic language and carefully chosen diction. Millay continuously uses archaic words and carefully chosen expressions for both their sound and meaning as we can appreciate through the line ''lovelier than lilacs'' which is exactly what Shakespeare intended when wording the line ''day by day unto his draught of delicate poison add him one drop more''.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

A comparison of Millay's poem to Shakespeare's Sonnet 139 - in terms of time period, imagery, and diction: both poets utilize imagery and diction to bring their ideation of love to life. Although the two poems were written in completely separate time periods, both idealize similar facades of women. Their carefully chosen words and exceptional illustration paints a picture for the reader's mind.