Connotation: The diction is not incredibly complex, although a few words are a little complicated to understand. Words like 'damasked,' 'reeks,' and 'belied,' are all words that may have been used during the time in which this sonnet was written. Their usage in the english language today has become sparse, so it is necessary to look up these words online, as to best understand their true meanings. Images are created as things in nature are described, such as flowers, and treads on the ground. The mistress's body is also described in great detail as being dark and gloomy, in all aspects, from lips, to breasts, to cheeks, and hair. It is ironic in the sense that, while he describes his mistress as being dark and sullen looking and acting, he cherishes her. He knows that his mistress is a rare find, and he cherishes her because of this, despite her looks and ways. The rhyme scheme is typical of that of a shakespearean sonnet, with iambic pentameter implemented.
Attitude: The speaker in this sonnet is the author himself. The author cherishes what he has, while simultaneously pointing out every visible flaw in his mistress, from the waist up. The author is very negative toward his mistress and his attitude in the poem, in general, is that of a pesimistic outlook. The author attempts to show the reader every flaw in his mistress, but also inevitably hints that it is her flaws that truly define her as a person, and that is the person that he loves.
Shifts: Colons are used to separate a defining statement, or established topic, from an elaboration on that topic. A comma is used to separate details that are similar in nature, but different in that they all describe a different body part of the mistress. It is ironic that the entire poem focuses on his mistress's flaws, yet the last two lines of the sonnet illustrate the author's true feelings for his love. This shift that occurs, is evident with the use of a period. The structure of the piece is essentially saving the best for last, in that all the bad is said in the beginning, with the most meaningful line of the poem coming last.
Title: The title still remains insignificant to the piece.
Theme: The poem is essentially describing the flaws in Shakespeare's mistress, but in the end the piece shifts to that of a truly heart-warming meaning. Shakespeare ultimately shows that despite all the flaws that someone may have, it doesn't truly matter in the grande scheme of things: it's what's on the inside that matters most. Despite the hideousness of his mistress, he loves her regardless, because despite a lack of outer beauty, he can truly appreciate her inner beauty for what it truly is.
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