Summary Sonnet 32 concludes the sonnet sequence on the poet’s depression over his absence from the youth. Again the poet questions the worth of his poems, but this time his insecurity has to do with their style and not with the intensity of their subject matter, which is his love […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 32Summary and Analysis Sonnet 31
Summary Sonnet 31 expands upon the sentiment conveyed in the preceding sonnet’s concluding couplet, “But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, / All losses are restored and sorrows end.” In the present sonnet, the young man is a microcosm representing all the poet’s past lovers and friends; […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 31Summary and Analysis Sonnet 30
Summary The poet repeats Sonnet 29’s theme, that memories of the youth are priceless compensations — not only for many disappointments and unrealized hopes but for the loss of earlier friends: “But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, / All losses are restored and sorrows end.” Stylistically, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 30Summary and Analysis Sonnet 29
Summary Resenting his bad luck, the poet envies the successful art of others and rattles off an impressive catalogue of the ills and misfortunes of his life. His depression is derived from his being separated from the young man, even more so because he envisions the youth in the company […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 29Summary and Analysis Sonnet 28
Summary Images of absence, continued from the previous sonnet, show the poet at the point of emotional exhaustion and frustration due to his sleepless nights spent thinking about the young man. However, even though faced with the young man’s disinterest, the poet still refuses to break away from the youth. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 28Summary and Analysis Sonnet 27
Summary The poet describes himself as being “weary with toil” and trying to sleep. The somber mood announces a new phase in the relationship. In the first four lines, the poet likens his state of mind to traveling afar. Restlessly, he cannot sleep because his mind is filled with thoughts […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 27Study Help Essay Questions – Page 2
1. Discuss the significance of the novel within the tradition of Chinese-American fiction. 2. Analyze the conflicts between any two of these pairs of characters: Suyuan Woo and Jing-mei Woo An-mei Hsu and Rose Hsu Jordan Lindo Jong and Waverly Jong Ying-ying St. Clair and Lena St. Clair Clifford St. […]
Read more Study Help Essay Questions – Page 2Summary and Analysis Sonnet 26
Summary Sonnet 26 prepares for the young man’s absence from the poet, although the reason for this separation is not clear. The sonnet’s first two lines, “Lord of my love, to whom in vassalage / Thy merit hath my duty strongly knit,” show the poet’s submission to his love, using […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Sonnet 26Study Help Full Glossary for The Joy Luck Club
AIDS Waverly says that because Jing-mei’s hairdresser is gay, he could have AIDS. He is cutting hair, “which is like cutting a living tissue.” There has not been a single reported case of anyone contracting AIDS through a haircut; this scene is proof that Waverly can be prejudiced, misinformed, and […]
Read more Study Help Full Glossary for The Joy Luck ClubSummary and Analysis Sonnet 25
Summary In Sonnet 25, which has as its theme mortality versus immortality, the poet contrasts himself with those “who are in favor with their stars,” implying that, though he is not numbered among those famous, fortunate people, their fame will not last, while his love will. Therefore, he is happy […]
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