Sonnet 130
Reading Comprehension Activity
Author: William Shakespeare
Primarily known for his plays, Shakespeare also wrote over 150 sonnets. This sonnet is one of his more famous ones. After reading the poem, students will respond to questions on the rhyme scheme, the figurative language, and the theme.
Topic(s): Realistic Fiction. Skill(s): Theme, Figurative Language, Rhythm & Rhyme. Genre(s): Poetry
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My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun
Coral is far more red than her lips’ red
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damask’d, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
And in some perfumes is there more delight
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
That music hath a far more pleasing sound;
I grant I never saw a goddess go;
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare.
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