Sonnet 116 -- William Shakespeare Flashcards
(15 cards)
How is constancy in love explored?
Love is a fixed, eternal force. In Jane Eyre, Brontë tests this through moral obstacles — love survives absence and trial
What is the significance of the Shakespearean sonnet form?
The tight 14-line structure and iambic pentameter reflect control and balance — like Jane’s measured morality in contrast to Rochester’s impulsive passion.
What tone does the speaker take?
Authoritative, rational, reverent. Brontë echoes this in Jane’s deeply moral perspective on love and her resistance to temptation.
AO3: Context behind the poem’s view of love
Reflects Renaissance ideals of Platonic, spiritual love — not ruled by lust or change. Brontë also critiques superficial romanticism in Victorian society.
How does this poem compare to Jane’s love for Rochester?
Both show love as moral, not carnal — Shakespeare’s sonnet is echoed when Jane leaves Rochester to uphold integrity.
What view of gender roles in love is presented?
Gender is downplayed — love is equal and spiritual. Jane Eyre supports this with her assertion of equality (“I am a free human being…”).
How is conflict between emotion and reason treated?
The poem argues real love is rational and principled. Jane mirrors this as she chooses conscience over emotional indulgence.
“Sonnet 116 celebrates a platonic ideal of love.” Agree?
Agree. It can be paired with Jane Eyre’s ending, where love becomes spiritual after both parties are morally and emotionally matured.
Quote:What doesn’t change, even when circumstances do?
“Love is not love / Which alters when it alteration finds.”
Quote: How does Shakespeare describe love’s constancy?
“O no, it is an ever-fixed mark.”
Quote:What metaphor is used for love as guidance?
“It is the star to every wandering bark.”
Quote:How does Shakespeare say love defies time?
“Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks / Within his bending sickle’s compass come.”
Quote: How does the poet affirm his belief in love?
“If this be error and upon me proved, / I never writ, nor no man ever loved.”
Quote: How does the poem open its definition of true love?
“Let me not to the marriage of true minds / Admit impediments.”
Quote:“Love is not love / Which alters when it alteration finds”
True love is permanent and unwavering — like Jane’s spiritual bond with Rochester that persists even after she leaves him.
