Tuesday, March 23, 2010

News at Eleven: The first line is mildly mucky.

"Nothing" is a euphemism for female genitals.

The second line changes the rhythm subtly, with a tripping beginning that establishes a certain light, wry tone. The long vowels in "far" and "more" are almost sarcastic.

The next two lines have prompted more speculation than any others in Shakespeare's sonnets, as they give us a physical description of the so-called Dark Lady, who was the object of his desire. "Dun" means grey or brown. The combination of "wiry black" hair and non-white skin has led to a great deal of speculation about Shakespeare's African mistress.

from Scotland on Sunday: Poetry: Rhyme and reason

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