Page 2: Comprehension and Modern Relevance of Sonnet 91
This page delves into the specific Elizabethan status symbols mentioned in Sonnet 91 and explores the speaker's attitude towards them. It also draws parallels to modern-day equivalents.
Elizabethan Status Symbols:
- High birth or hereditary status
- Intelligence and dexterity (skill)
- Clothes
- Horses
- Hawks and hounds
Vocabulary: Dexterity - skill or adroitness in using the hands or body; mental skill or quickness; cleverness.
The speaker's attitude towards these status symbols is one of detachment and mild mockery. He distances himself from those who take pride in such things, particularly noting the absurdity of delighting in trendy but strange clothing.
Quote: "By clearly stating that these particular passions are not his yardsticks... he makes clear that the status symbols of his times are not important to him."
The speaker emphasizes that he neither values these symbols for himself nor judges others by them, highlighting a personal philosophy that prioritizes love over societal measures of worth.
Definition: Status symbol - A possession or characteristic that is perceived as indicating high social or economic standing.
Modern Equivalents of Status Symbols:
- Clothes (designer brands)
- Sunglasses
- Jewelry (especially watches)
- Cars
- Houses
- Smartphones
Highlight: The enduring nature of status symbols across centuries demonstrates the persistent human desire for social recognition and prestige.
This comparison between Elizabethan and modern status symbols offers insight into the timeless nature of social hierarchies and the human tendency to seek validation through material possessions. It also underscores the Sonnet 91 analysis by showing how Shakespeare's critique of such values remains relevant in contemporary society.
