What Is The Mood Of The Poem 144 By Shakespeare

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In sonnet “144,” by William Shakespeare, the speaker’s tone is fatalistic because, even though he knows his good angel is in danger, he accepts the fact his good angel will get hurt. In the very first line of the poem, the speaker identifies the two angels he is in a love triangle with: “Two loves I have of comfort and despair” (1). The speaker immediately gives the reader perspective because he identifies the good and bad of the poem, telling the reader what he will focus on. Soon after he describes his lovers as “a man right fair,” (3) and “a woman colour’d ill,” (4); Because the speaker says this, it shows the reader who he favors, and how he feels about his two lovers. The speaker shows what he cares about because of his description. As the second quatrain arrives, the speaker begins to discuss the relationship between his two lovers. He speaks of the evil angel, and what she does to the good one: “tempteth my better angel,” (6) and “corrupt my saint,” (7). The speaker shows some concern for the better angel because he makes it sound like the bad angel causes harm on him as well, but he shows no desire to save his saint. After the Volta, the speaker -once again- declares his love for the good angel.

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