Lust or Love Essay Example
Lust or Love Essay Example

Lust or Love Essay Example

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Poetry aims to communicate an idea beyond the limits of language, relying on the poet's introspection. The verses they create symbolize the state of thought rather than physical actions.

The emotional dilemma of Shakespeare in "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?" is demonstrated through his internal conflict between love and lust. This Shakespearean sonnet consists of three quatrains and a complete iambic pentameter, following the established tradition of this poetic form. Using this form, Shakespeare was able to express his inner feelings and attract women. The poem showcases a lyrical battle between the conscience mind, with Shakespeare showing confusion between love and lust. Love appeals to emotions, while lust represents a desire for another individual.

The poem shows evidence of a vendetta between the two characters through its imagery and shifts. It is particularly noteworthy for ack

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nowledging that beauty can be found in forms beyond procreation, specifically in the lines of poetry. The initial four lines convey images of disparage, with a summer's day and "rough winds" tormenting the "darling buds." Shakespeare intentionally creates a bleak setting to enhance his mistress's beauty.

Moreover, Shakespeare demonstrates his strong desire for this woman by attempting to seduce and control her. However, he changes his perspective in the third quatrain, emphasizing the importance of inner and everlasting beauty. It suggests that love can be manifested through various forms, not just physical intimacy, leading one to believe that Shakespeare's affection towards his mistress is indeed love.

Through the use of eternalizing the beauty of his mistress in the sonnet, Shakespeare transforms his emotions from a feeling of lust to one of love. The sonnet's external structure facilitates this shift

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in mindset, with its ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme allowing for a gradual change while maintaining ties to the initial thought. The GG rhyme scheme serves as the apex of the poem, signifying the understanding that beauty can be immortalized in lyrical form and, ultimately, revealing his love for his mistress.

The entire poem depicts the initiation and cessation of the conflict between passion and affection. This leads to a methodical resolution to the hesitancy that Shakespeare harbored. Initially, the amorous tone is established as Shakespeare speaks highly of his paramour, revealing his desires. However, it gradually transforms into a tender love as he declares, "So long as men shall breathe or eyes can see/ So long lives this and this gives life to thee."

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