Question

Read Sonnet #130 by Shakespeare and find two examples of oxymoron, then explain their meaning.

a) loving hate, cold fire
b) jumbo shrimp, deafening silence
c) happy sorrow, wise fool
d) bitter sweet, dark light

Answer 1

Two examples are a) loving hate, cold fire

Explanation:

In Sonnet 130 by Shakespeare, the two examples of oxymoron are "loving hate" and "cold fire." In the context of "loving hate," Shakespeare is likely expressing a paradoxical relationship where love is intertwined with elements of hatred or disdain. It could convey the complexity of emotions within the speaker's relationship. "Cold fire" is another oxymoron, suggesting a contradictory image of fire, typically associated with warmth and passion, being cold. This could represent a love that has lost its intensity or warmth, highlighting the contrast between the expected and the actual emotional state.

Shakespeare's use of oxymorons in Sonnet 130 adds depth and complexity to the conventional expressions of love. By employing these contradictions, he challenges traditional ideals and presents a more realistic and nuanced portrayal of love. The oxymorons contribute to the overall theme of the sonnet, where the speaker rejects conventional comparisons to describe his lover and opts for a more authentic representation of beauty and love.

In conclusion, the examples "loving hate" and "cold fire" in Sonnet 130 serve as oxymorons that enrich the poem's exploration of love and beauty. Through these contradictions, Shakespeare captures the complexities inherent in human emotions and relationships, providing a refreshing departure from idealized and clichéd expressions of love often found in sonnets of that era. OPTION A

Answer 2

In Sonnet #130 by Shakespeare, there are two examples of oxymoron: 'loving hate' and 'bitter sweet'. These oxymorons create a unique meaning by combining contradictory terms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxymoron is a literary device in which contradictory terms are combined to create a unique meaning. In Shakespeare's Sonnet #130, two examples of oxymoron are 'loving hate' and 'bitter sweet'.

'Loving hate' suggests a contradictory combination of emotions, highlighting the speaker's complex feelings towards his subject. It implies that although the speaker hates certain qualities, there is also a deep love and affection present.

'Bitter sweet' presents the contrast between bitterness and sweetness. It symbolizes the speaker's mixed feelings and the contradictory nature of his experience.