Poetry · Chapter
Sonnet CV explained
The poet defends his love against accusations of idolatry, asserting that his beloved is not an idol but a constant and wondrous excellence.
What happens
The poet defends his love against accusations of idolatry, asserting that his beloved is not an idol but a constant and wondrous excellence. He explains that his verse is confined to expressing the same three virtues—'Fair, kind, and true'—which have never before been united in one person.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
The poet argues that his love is not idolatrous but true, as his beloved embodies the genuine virtues of 'Fair, kind, and true'.
Art and Immortality
The poet's verse is confined to expressing the beloved's constant excellence, suggesting that art can immortalize virtue.
Characters to notice
- William Shakespeare
The poet-speaker defends his constancy in love and verse.
- Love
Personified as the poet's constant affection.
Key passages
“Let not my love be call’d idolatry, Nor my beloved as an idol show, Since all alike my songs and praises be To one, of one, still such, and ever so.”
Do not accuse my love of being idolatrous, nor think of my beloved as an idol, because all my songs and praises are consistently directed to one person, describing the same qualities, always the same.
The poet defends the constancy of his devotion.
““Fair, kind, and true” is all my argument, “Fair, kind, and true” varying to other words; And in this change is my invention spent, Three themes in one, which wondrous scope affords.”
My entire subject is 'Fair, kind, and true,' expressed in different words; my creativity is spent on this variation, combining three virtues into one person, which provides wonderful range.
The poet explains his thematic focus and creative process.