To what Shall I Compare her?

Name: To what Shall I Compare her?
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem explores the theme of unattainable beauty and idealized love through a series of comparisons. The speaker grapples with the challenge of finding suitable metaphors to capture the extraordinary qualities of the beloved. The opening lines establish her beauty as surpassing that of the sea, suggesting a depth and allure that is both captivating and elusive. As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the beloved's truthfulness, asserting that she embodies a purity that transcends conventional notions of truth. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between reality and idealization, as the speaker acknowledges the difficulty in fully understanding her essence. The imagery of stars and sleep further emphasizes the distance between the speaker and the beloved, suggesting that her heart remains hidden and inaccessible. The speaker's dreams serve as a refuge, where he envisions her in a more intimate light, filled with compassion and warmth. This longing for connection underscores the emotional depth of the poem, revealing a desire for a relationship that feels both profound and unattainable. The concluding lines express a hope that these dreams may hold a deeper truth than reality itself, encapsulating the essence of romantic yearning and the complexities of love. Overall, the work is a meditation on beauty, truth, and the nature of desire, employing rich imagery and emotional resonance to convey the speaker's profound admiration and longing for the beloved.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 126 words

First lines

TO what shall I compare her, That is as fair as she? For she is fairer-fairer Than the sea.

What shall be likened to her, The sainted of my youth? For she is truer-truer Than the truth.

As the stars are from the sleeper, Her heart is hid from me; For she is deeper-deeper Than the sea.

Yet in my dreams I view her Flush rosy with new ruth- Dreams! Ah, may these prove truer Than the truth.

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To what Shall I Compare her? is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1885 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1885 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Symbolism, Nature
Length: 126 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as metaphor and imagery.
Romanticism — The themes of beauty, love, and idealization of the beloved align with Romantic ideals.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Symbolism — The use of symbols to convey deeper meanings about love and perception is evident.