# Sonnet CXLIX explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

The speaker confronts a beloved who accuses him of not loving, paradoxically arguing that his self-neglect and devotion to her every whim prove his love. He admits to being blind to her faults and willingly subservient, concluding that he is blind while others see her true nature.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Desire

The speaker's paradoxical devotion and self-sacrifice for the beloved, even when treated cruelly.

### Truth and Deception

The speaker's self-deception and blindness to the beloved's true nature, contrasted with others' clear sight.

## Character check-ins

### William Shakespeare

The speaker who defends his love against accusations of not loving.

### Love

Personified as the addressee, the cruel beloved who is both loved and hated.

## Key lines

> Canst thou, O cruel! say I love thee not, When I against myself with thee partake?

Can you, cruel one, claim I don't love you, when I take your side against myself?

_The speaker argues that his self-harm proves his love._

> But, love, hate on, for now I know thy mind; Those that can see thou lovest, and I am blind.

But go ahead and hate me, love, for I now understand your thoughts: you love those who can see clearly, while I am blind.

_The speaker resigns himself to being blind to the beloved's faults, acknowledging that others see her true nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxlix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_28_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters