Short Answer 
The first quatrain of Sonnet 130 by Shakespeare contrasts traditional ideals of beauty by comparing the speaker’s mistress to natural elements, highlighting her individuality and realism. The speaker acknowledges that she is less attractive than these elements, ultimately expressing a deeper appreciation rooted in authenticity rather than superficial ideals.
Step 1: Understanding the Quatrain’s Focus
The first quatrain of Sonnet 130 by William Shakespeare primarily centers on the theme of comparing the speaker’s mistress to elements found in nature. The speaker explicitly states various comparisons, showcasing how these natural elements hold different standards of beauty. By doing so, the quatrain sets up a realistic portrayal of love, contrasting sharply with traditional poetic expressions.
Step 2: Key Comparisons Made by the Speaker
The speaker highlights specific attributes of his mistress, directly comparing her features to natural objects. He states:
- Her eyes are “nothing like the sun,”
- Her lips are less red than coral,
- Her breasts are not as white as snow,
- Her hair resembles “black wires.”
Step 3: Conclusion on Perceived Beauty
The overall conclusion drawn from the quatrain is that the speaker finds his mistress to be less attractive than the elements of nature he references. This sentiment counters the exaggerated love typically noted in poetry. By focusing on the realistic aspects of his love, the speaker ultimately conveys a message that is rooted in true appreciation rather than superficial idealism, as option D indicates: the speaker considers his love less attractive than objects in nature.