A Stylistic Analysis of Foregrounding in Sonnet 18

This paper provides a stylistic analysis of William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, focusing on the concept of foregrounding. The analysis is divided into two main parts: graphological deviation and semantic deviation. Graphological deviation examines the use of punctuation marks such as colons, semicolons, and question marks to create visual and syntactic emphasis. Semantic deviation explores rhetorical devices like personification, rhyme scheme, repetition, and the specific choice of verbs and adjectives to uncover the thematic resonance and layered meanings in the sonnet. The study highlights how these deviations collectively enhance the thematic impact of Sonnet 18, showcasing Shakespeare’s mastery in using stylistic elements to convey the enduring beauty and timeless nature of love. The paper concludes by discussing the broader implications of these findings for understanding Shakespearean poetry and suggests directions for future research in this field.