"Sonnet 130": Insultingly Romantic

William Shakespeare, the undeniable "King of Literature", changed the world with beautiful words, unheard of phrases, and works incomparable to any other. Shakespeare could make nearly anything sound enticing and magnificent. It is for this reason that "Sonnet 130: My Mistress' Eyes are Nothing like the Sun" is such an fascinating piece that still manages to create the powerful impact that most love poems strive for. The first twelve lines of the sonnet describe a woman in a very unflattering and insulting way. Her hair is like "black wires", her complexion is drab and pale, her eyes lack an alluring glow and quite frankly, she "reeks". This is the picture of an average human woman, nothing extraordinary.  If one were to stop reading at this point they would believe this sonnet to be speaking of a woman Shakespeare must dislike. However, the last two lines of the sonnet do exactly as they should; they change the pace and tone completely. Shakespeare says his "love [is] as rare" as any, and the reader begins to understand Shakespeare's intention in this piece. The characteristics that seemed unremarkable and ordinary, even arguably unpleasant, are characteristics that he truly loves about this woman. Shakespeare manages to completely explain unconditional love without sounding whimsical and unrealistic, as most love poetry does. What initially seemed critical, negative and slightly cruel ended up being the base for something incontestably romantic. This poem illustrates the idea that love is not perfect, but is born from imperfections and differences. This is certainty a realistic, and in it's own way, beautiful description of true love.