Viridiana Rivera Discussion 11

The greeting card lyrics “Why Do I Love You So Much?” and the Browning sonnet “How Do I Love Thee?” share similarities and differences in their use of poetic elements. Both the card and the sonnet express deep love and admiration for the object of affection. However, while the sonnet describes the many ways in which the speaker loves their beloved, the card seems to focus more on the overwhelming intensity of the feeling of love itself. In terms of language, both the sonnet and the card use vivid and emotional words to convey their message. The sonnet uses words like “depth,” “breadth,” and “height” to express the magnitude of the speaker’s love, while the card uses phrases like “my heart beats faster” and “I am hopelessly in love with you” to convey the intensity of the feeling. Sound and lineation also play a role in both poems. The sonnet’s consistent iambic pentameter and end rhyme scheme give it a musical quality that enhances the emotional impact of the words. The card, on the other hand, uses shorter lines and irregular rhyme and meter to create a more conversational tone. For example, the card might use a line like “I can’t explain what you do to me” to convey a sense of urgency and passion, while the sonnet might use a more measured and formal tone. Imagery is another element that both poems use to express love. The sonnet uses metaphors like “sun and candlelight” and “breath and smiles” to describe the many ways in which the speaker loves their beloved. The card, meanwhile, might use imagery like “you light up my life” or “you complete me” to express the same idea. In terms of rhyme and meter, the sonnet follows a strict pattern of ABBAABBA CDCDCD, while the card’s rhyme scheme and meter are more irregular. For example, the card might use internal rhymes or half-rhymes to create a sense of musicality, as in the line “My heart skips a beat when I see you on the street.”