Sonnet 43

Question 1

Context on the poem

Answer 1

• Autobiographical - written before she eloped with Robert to Italy
• Literary context of the Romantic tradition
• Traditional sonnet - established poetic form in English Lierature
• Her life was troubled with sickness - influence the use of spiritual language and focus on life and death

Question 2

Form

Answer 2

Petrarchan sonnet: Follows a specific rhyme scheme - reinforces enduring love

Iambic pentameter: Disrupted by pauses and repetition, making the speaker sound more passionate

First-person narration: Adds a personal and intimate feel

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Caesura: Adds a confident and intense tone

Enjambment: Reflects the depth of passion and the continuity of love

The octave (first 8 lines): Introduces the intensity and divinity of her love

The sestet (final 6 lines): Expresses lifelong devotion and love beyond death

Question 4

Summary of the poem

Answer 4

The speaker counts the different ways she loves her partner

Love is intense, passionate, and spiritual

She views love as sacred and eternal

Love is so strong that it will continue even after death

Question 5

Language

Answer 5

Religous imagery: Suggests love has meaning and is spiratually right

Hyperbole: Exaggerates the scale and strength of her love

Love is mentioned 10 times: Reinforces its power and significance

Paradox: Connects love and death, showing her love is eternal

Question 6

Mood

Answer 6

Unselfish love: The speaker asks for nothing in return

Love is pure and infinite

Hyperbolic devotion: Suggests her love is ceaseless

Calm and effortless tone: Suggests love is a natural part of her life

Question 7

Key Quotes

Answer 7

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways

I love thee to the depth and depth and height

By sun and candlelight

I shall love thee better after death

Question 8

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

Answer 8

• Hyperbole elevates love to spiritual level
• Repition of ‘and’ - passsion, excitement, devotion
• semantic feel of measurement - her love cannot be measured
• Tricolon emphasises her limitless love

Question 9

By sun and candlelight

Answer 9

• symbol of time - constant love - day and night
• Calm and effortless
• he is the light guiding her
• Everyday objects to show love’s simplicity and permenance

Question 10

I shall love thee better after death

Answer 10

• Untraditional ending to a love poem
• there love is eternal - pure
• paradox connecting love & death - infinite love
• eternal devotion

Question 11

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways

Answer 11

• Rhetorical question - invites teflection on love
• Love is deep and infiinite