MCAS 2001, 10th Grade English (ELA), Questions 13 to 16

The following poem is one of Shakespeare's many love sonnets. As you read the poem, pay attention to poetic structure and theme. When you have finished reading, answer the questions that follow.

Sonnet 116

   Let me not to the marriage of true minds
   Admit impediments. Love is not love
   Which alters when it alteration finds
   Or bends with the remover to remove.
⁵ O, no! It is an ever-fixed mark
   That looks on tempests and is never shaken.
   It is the star to every wand'ring bark,
   Whose worth's unknown, although his heighth be taken.
   Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
¹⁰ Within his bending sickle's compass come.
   Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
   But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
       If this be error and upon me proved,
       I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

–William Shakespeare

"Sonnet 116" by William Shakespeare. In the public domain.

Question #13

In line 2 of the poem, what does the word impediments mean?

A. inconsistencies

B. obstacles

C. independence

D. virtues

Question #14

What is the rhyme scheme of this poem?

A. ABBA CDDC EFFE GG

B. ABC ABC DEF DEF GG

C. AA BB CC DD EE FF GG

D. ABAB CDCD EFEF GG

Question #15

What is the theme of "Sonnet 116"?

A. True love remains steady.

B. Even the strongest love is temporary.

C. Love changes as life changes.

D. Age and time alter love.

Question #16 (Open-Response Question)

"Sonnet 116" does not have a title linked to the text; rather its title distinguishes it from Shakespeare's other sonnets.

• What title would you give to "Sonnet 116"?

• Provide evidence from the poem to support your answer.

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