130. Dark Lady Sonnet.

This sonnet offers a pleasant, slightly comical change of paces from the Young Man sonnets. While it is thought that Shakespeare is writing of a real young woman in these sonnets, I am somewhat inclined to think otherwise seeing as I doubt this particular sonnet would be helpful in the endeavor that is a successful relationship. The description of the young woman is outrageous and funny, even though it is summed up with a line that suggests he loves this woman despite the shortcomings he has laid forth for every reader to imagine. The wiry hair, the dun complexion, and her awful breath are presented in direct contrast to aspects of beauty and desirability, and in effect the reader is aware that this woman is awful. The poem is superbly executed as a parody for typical love poetry, and Shakespeare adds to his list of pioneering achievements with this piece of comedic poetry.