
In the Sonnet 29 by Shakespeare, does the speaker pity himself over lack of skill as an artist or contentment?
2 Answers By Expert Tutors
All of the correct answer choices suggest a life with joy--having hope, having friends, having looks, having skills, and having intellectual abilities (scope--a range). Contentment isn't specifically addressed, but it is inferred that all of these attributes contribute to a life filled with joy, and this is the main thing the speaker envies. Choice C is correct because the word art in this context has nothing to do with being an artist. It is used to describe skill in general whatever the man's craft may be. It's a tricky one, for sure.

Kent M. answered 03/23/19
Expert Literature Tutor Specializing in Analysis and Comprehension!
To understand choice C, it's important to understand that the word "art" in Shakespeare means "what someone is good at" or simply, "skill." Thus, "art" was a much more general term in his day. "Art" does NOT refer only to "skill as an artist" which is a specific skill--much closer to the way we might use the word today. I agree with you that the SAT explanation/reasoning about choice E is a bit sketchy. But keep in mind that the overall tone of the poem (and line 8) keeps emphasizing the poet's discontentment with life and implied envy of everyone else's supposed contentment. Therefore E (contentment) is not as good an answer as C which is clearly wrong, given Shakespeare's definition of "art." Another case of SAT wanting you to choose the "most correct" answer. Also one of their trickier questions.
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Kent M.
To understand choice C, it's important to understand that the word "art" in Shakespeare means "what someone is good at" or simply, "skill." Thus, "art" was a much more general term in his day. "Art" does NOT refer only to "skill as an artist" which is a specific skill--much closer to the way we might use the word today. I agree with you that the SAT explanation/reasoning about choice E is a bit sketchy. But keep in mind that the overall tone of the poem (and line 8) keeps emphasizing the poet's discontentment with life and implied envy of everyone else's supposed contentment. Therefore E (contentment) is not as good an answer as C which is clearly wrong, given Shakespeare's definition of "art." Another case of SAT wanting you to choose the "most correct" answer. Also one of their trickier questions.03/23/19