Poetry · Chapter
Sonnet XCVI explained
The poet acknowledges that while some criticize the beloved's youth and wantonness, others praise these same qualities.
What happens
The poet acknowledges that while some criticize the beloved's youth and wantonness, others praise these same qualities. He warns that the beloved's charm could lead many astray, but urges restraint, declaring his love is such that the beloved's good reputation is his own.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
The poem explores how the beloved's faults can be translated into truths, deceiving observers.
Love and Desire
The poet's love is possessive and protective, concerned with the beloved's reputation.
Characters to notice
- Youth
The beloved is addressed as possessing youth, which is both fault and grace.
Key passages
“Some say thy fault is youth, some wantonness; Some say thy grace is youth and gentle sport; Both grace and faults are loved of more and less; Thou makest faults graces that to thee resort.”
People have different opinions about you: some see your youth as a flaw, others as a charm. But both your virtues and your vices are loved by many, because you turn your faults into graces.
The poet highlights the beloved's ability to transform perceived flaws into attractive qualities.
“How many lambs might the stern wolf betray, If like a lamb he could his looks translate! How many gazers mightst thou lead away, If thou wouldst use the strength of all thy state!”
A wolf could deceive many lambs if it could disguise itself as one. Similarly, you could lead many astray if you fully used your power and charm.
The poet warns that the beloved's charm could be dangerously misleading.
“But do not so; I love thee in such sort As, thou being mine, mine is thy good report.”
But do not do that; I love you in such a way that, since you belong to me, your good reputation is also mine.
The poet urges restraint, linking his own honor to the beloved's conduct.