Sonnet 69: Those Parts Of Thee That The World’s Eye Doth View
Those parts of thee that the world’s eye doth view
Want nothing that the thought of hearts can mend;
All tongues, the voice of souls, give thee that due,
Uttering bare truth, even so as foes commend.
Thy outward thus with outward praise is crown’d;
But those same tongues, that give thee so thine own,
In other accents do this praise confound
By seeing farther than the eye hath shown.
They look into the beauty of thy mind,
And that in guess they measure by thy deeds;
Then, churls, their thoughts, although their eyes were kind,
To thy fair flower add the rank smell of weeds:
But why thy odour matcheth not thy show,
The soil is this, that thou dost common grow.
Line 1:
“Those parts of thee that the world’s eye doth view”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Parts of thee: Your outward appearance.
- World’s eye: The public, society.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker begins by focusing on the beloved’s physical appearance, which is visible to the world. This line introduces the idea that the beloved’s external beauty is universally admired and praised.
Line 2:
“Want nothing that the thought of hearts can mend;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Want nothing: Lack nothing.
- Thought of hearts: The admiration and love of others.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker suggests that the beloved’s outward beauty is perfect and lacks nothing that could be improved by the admiration or love of others. This line emphasizes the universal acclaim for the beloved’s physical appearance.
Line 3:
“All tongues, the voice of souls, give thee that due,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- All tongues: Everyone, all people.
- Voice of souls: Genuine expression.
- Due: Proper acknowledgment.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker states that everyone, speaking sincerely (“the voice of souls”), gives the beloved the praise he deserves. This line reinforces the idea that the beloved’s beauty is universally admired and celebrated.
Line 4:
“Uttering bare truth, even so as foes commend.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Uttering bare truth: Speaking honestly.
- Foes commend: Even enemies praise.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker notes that even the beloved’s enemies praise him honestly, acknowledging his beauty without reservation. This line underscores the undeniable nature of the beloved’s outward perfection.
Line 5:
“Thy outward thus with outward praise is crown’d;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Outward: External appearance.
- Crown’d: Honored, celebrated.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker concludes that the beloved’s external beauty is celebrated and honored by all. This line serves as a summary of the first four lines, emphasizing the universal admiration for the beloved’s appearance.
Line 6:
“But those same tongues, that give thee so thine own,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Give thee so thine own: Acknowledge your beauty.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker shifts focus, noting that the same people who praise the beloved’s outward beauty also have criticisms. This line introduces the idea that the beloved’s inner character is not as universally admired as his appearance.
Line 7:
“In other accents do this praise confound”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Other accents: Different tones or perspectives.
- Confound: Contradict, undermine.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker explains that these same people, while praising the beloved’s beauty, also contradict that praise when they consider his inner self. This line suggests a duality in how the beloved is perceived.
Line 8:
“By seeing farther than the eye hath shown.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Seeing farther: Looking beyond the surface.
- Eye hath shown: What is visible.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker suggests that these critics look beyond the beloved’s outward beauty to judge his inner character. This line introduces the idea that the beloved’s actions and personality do not match his physical appearance.
Line 9:
“They look into the beauty of thy mind,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Beauty of thy mind: Inner character, personality.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker explains that these critics examine the beloved’s inner self, seeking to understand his true nature. This line reflects the speaker’s awareness that beauty is not just skin deep.
Line 10:
“And that in guess they measure by thy deeds;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- In guess: Through speculation.
- Measure by thy deeds: Judge based on actions.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker notes that these critics judge the beloved’s inner beauty based on his actions, even though they can only speculate about his true nature. This line suggests that the beloved’s deeds may not reflect the purity of his outward beauty.
Line 11:
“Then, churls, their thoughts, although their eyes were kind,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Churls: Rude or mean-spirited people.
- Eyes were kind: They admired your appearance.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker describes these critics as “churls” (rude or unkind people) who, despite admiring the beloved’s beauty, have harsh thoughts about his inner self. This line highlights the contrast between their admiration for his appearance and their criticism of his character.
Line 12:
“To thy fair flower add the rank smell of weeds:”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Fair flower: Beautiful appearance.
- Rank smell of weeds: Negative qualities.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker uses a metaphor to describe how these critics tarnish the beloved’s beauty (“fair flower”) by associating it with negative qualities (“rank smell of weeds”). This line reflects the idea that the beloved’s inner self does not live up to his outward perfection.
Line 13:
“But why thy odour matcheth not thy show,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Odour: Inner character.
- Show: Outward appearance.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker questions why the beloved’s inner character (“odour”) does not match his outward beauty (“show”). This line introduces the central tension of the sonnet: the disparity between the beloved’s appearance and his actions.
Line 14:
“The soil is this, that thou dost common grow.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Soil: Reason, cause.
- Common grow: Associate with ordinary or lowly things.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker concludes that the reason for this disparity is that the beloved associates with common or lowly things (“common grow”). This line suggests that the beloved’s actions and associations diminish the purity of his beauty, leading to criticism of his inner self.
Summary of the Sonnet:
Sonnet 69 explores the contrast between the beloved’s outward beauty and his inner character. While the beloved’s physical appearance is universally admired, some critics find fault with his actions and associations, suggesting that his inner self does not match his outward perfection. The sonnet reflects the tension between appearance and reality, highlighting the complexity of human nature and the difficulty of living up to external ideals.
In-Depth Analysis of Sonnet 69
Summary
Sonnet 69 explores the duality between outward beauty and inner virtue. The poet acknowledges that the young man possesses an undeniable physical beauty, admired by all. Even his enemies must admit that his outward form is flawless. However, those who look deeper—examining his character and actions—find a contradiction. Despite his external perfection, his deeds do not reflect an equally virtuous soul. These observers compare his beauty to a flower tainted by the “rank smell of weeds,” suggesting moral or ethical corruption. The concluding couplet implies that the young man’s flaw is that he has become “common,” possibly hinting at promiscuity or an inability to uphold his exceptional status.
Critical Analysis
1. The Young Man’s Dual Reputation
- The first quatrain emphasizes universal admiration for the youth’s physical form.
- Even his foes cannot deny his beauty, reinforcing the idea that his appearance is beyond question.
- However, the second quatrain introduces a shift—while outwardly praised, his inner qualities do not withstand scrutiny.
2. The Role of Perception and Judgment
- The poem critiques how deeper insight reveals flaws that mere physical admiration overlooks.
- This theme aligns with Renaissance concerns about virtue being more valuable than physical allure.
- Those who “look into the beauty of thy mind” find it lacking, meaning the young man’s actions do not match his looks.
3. The Flower and Weeds Metaphor
- The poet uses the metaphor of a flower that carries the “rank smell of weeds” to describe the young man’s character.
- While beautiful, he emits a moral stench, implying that his actions or personal choices corrupt his image.
4. The Meaning of “Common” in the Final Line
- The word “common” carries several possible meanings:
- Moral weakness – He lacks the virtue to match his beauty.
- Sexual promiscuity – His affections may be freely given, tarnishing his image.
- Loss of uniqueness – Instead of being an extraordinary figure, he has become ordinary or mundane.
- This last accusation is particularly cutting, as Shakespeare’s sonnets often idealize the youth’s rarity and excellence.
Theme Analysis
1. The Contrast Between Outer Beauty and Inner Worth
- The poem presents a warning against judging by appearances alone.
- The young man’s physical beauty is unquestioned, yet his inner character does not match.
- This aligns with Shakespeare’s broader theme of the fleeting nature of beauty versus the enduring value of virtue.
2. Public Perception and Reputation
- The youth is praised superficially, but deeper scrutiny leads to criticism.
- The poet explores how reputation is shaped both by admiration and moral judgment.
3. Corruption and Decay
- The metaphor of a flower tainted by weeds suggests that even the most beautiful things can become spoiled.
- This foreshadows later sonnets that focus on moral decline and betrayal.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor: The Flower and the Weeds
- The youth is compared to a beautiful flower with an unpleasant odor.
- This suggests that his actions have tainted his otherwise perfect appearance.
2. Contrast Between Sight and Insight
- The poem distinguishes between those who only see with their eyes (who praise him) and those who perceive with deeper understanding (who judge him).
- This contrast emphasizes the gap between appearance and reality.
3. Irony in the Final Couplet
- The final statement is ironic because the young man, previously idealized, is now labeled “common.”
- This reverses the usual praise of his uniqueness, making it a harsh critique.
Conclusion
Sonnet 69 offers a sobering reflection on the limits of beauty. Shakespeare suggests that while physical attractiveness can earn admiration, it is inner virtue that truly defines a person’s worth. The young man, despite his outward perfection, has failed to uphold the moral excellence expected of him. The poem warns that external beauty, without corresponding goodness, is ultimately disappointing and even repellent.
