# Sonnet CXVII explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

The speaker defends himself against accusations of neglect and infidelity, arguing that his apparent faults were tests of the beloved's constancy and virtue.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth and Deception

The speaker admits to apparent deception but frames it as a test of the beloved's love.

### Love and Desire

The poem centers on the dynamics of love, accusation, and the desire for proof of affection.

## Character check-ins

### William Shakespeare

The speaker who addresses the beloved, defending his actions.

### Love

The beloved whose constancy is being tested.

## Key lines

> Accuse me thus: that I have scanted all Wherein I should your great deserts repay

Blame me for failing to repay your great merits.

_The speaker acknowledges the charge of neglect._

> Book both my wilfulness and errors down And on just proof surmise accumulate

Record my stubbornness and mistakes, and add suspicion to solid evidence.

_The speaker invites the beloved to document his faults._

> Since my appeal says I did strive to prove The constancy and virtue of your love

Because my defense is that I tried to test the steadfastness and worth of your love.

_The speaker reveals his true motive: testing the beloved's loyalty._

## Links

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