Question

“Thou are not lovelier than lilacs”

Answer 1

While the poems were written centuries apart, they have many similarities. Both poems are sonnets that use comparisons but in an unusual way. Each tells what the love is not lovelier than. Both poems use imagery involving nature, and both use vivid word choice. While Millay does state her love is not more beautiful than "small white poppies," she "bend[s] before" him in awe. Shakespeare makes a point of stating that his love is an ordinary woman, not a goddess. Both poets use careful diction and poetic language. Shakespeare uses "hath," and inverts sentences. Millay uses "thy" and "thou" along with other archaic words. Her line, "lovelier than lilacs" is an example of her choosing words for their sound as much as their meaning. The lines "day by day unto his draught/of delicate poison adds him one drop more" also illustrates her concern for the sound of the poem. Love and lovers seem little changed over the centuries!