What is a sonnet?

Ans: A sonnet is a type of poem that has 14 lines with a specific structure and a rhyme scheme.

Who is called ‘the Bard of Avon’? 

Ans: William Shakespeare (1564-1616).

What kind of poem is Sonnet 73? Ans: It is a Shakespearean sonnet.

How many lines are there in a Shakespearean sonnet? Ans: 14 lines.

What is the rhyme scheme of Sonnet 73? Ans: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.

To whom is Sonnet 73 addressed? Ans: It is addressed to a fair youth.

What season does Shakespeare use as a metaphor for old age? Ans: Autumn.

Which time of day is the speaker compared to in the second quatrain?

Ans: The speaker compares himself to twilight in the second quatrain.

What does Autumn symbolize in Sonnet 73?

Ans: Autumn is the symbol of old age in Sonnet 73.

What does twilight symbolize in Sonnet 73? Ans: Twilight symbolizes the last stage of life before death.

What does the dying fire represent in the poem? Ans: It represents the fading strength of old age and the nearness of death.

What is meant by the phrase “Death’s second self”? Ans: Night is called “death’s second self.” Just like death, night also brings sleep and rest.

What is the main theme of Sonnet 73? Ans: The main theme is aging, death, and the deepening of love.

What does the phrase “bare ruin’d choirs” refer to?

 Ans: It refers to empty tree branches that look like broken churches where birds once sang.

What does the speaker compare himself to in the first quatrain?

 Ans: He compares himself to late autumn.

What takes away the “twilight” in the poem?

 Ans: Black night takes away the twilight.

Why is night called “Death’s second self”?

 Ans: Because night brings darkness and sleep, which are similar to death.

What do the ashes in the third quatrain symbolize?

 Ans: They symbolize the speaker’s past youth.

Why does the speaker’s friend love him more strongly?

 Ans: Because he sees that the speaker is growing old and their time together is short.

What message does Shakespeare give at the end of the poem?

 Ans: He gives the message that we love people deeply when we know they will not stay with us forever.