Shakespeare's Sonnets
compare and contrast Shakespeare's sonnets 130 and 138?
he addresses a dark lady, who seems to be his lover.....
he addresses a dark lady, who seems to be his lover.....
These two sonnets may indeed be addressed to the "dark lady" of his sonnets, and yes, she seems to be his lover. However, 130 is much more complimentary and focuses on the mistress' beauty. The use of the similes to compare her various physical features to some natural occurrences helps us understand how rare he thinks their love is because she is so beautiful. On the other hand, 138 is somewhat negative and uses the word "lie" to do what Shakespeare does best, play on words (thus, the use of a pun). She lies to him (and he knows it, but he listens anyway) and ultimately they "lie" together.