Sonnet 131: Thou Art As Tyrannous, So As Thou Art
Thou art as tyrannous, so as thou art,
As those whose beauties proudly make them cruel;
For well thou know’st to my dear doting heart
Thou art the fairest and most precious jewel.
Yet, in good faith, some say that thee behold,
Thy face hath not the power to make love groan;
To say they err I dare not be so bold,
Although I swear it to myself alone.
And to be sure that is not false I swear,
A thousand groans, but thinking on thy face,
One on another’s neck, do witness bear
Thy black is fairest in my judgment’s place.
In nothing art thou black save in thy deeds,
And thence this slander, as I think, proceeds.
Sonnet Line 1:
“Thou art as tyrannous, so as thou art,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Thou art: You are.
- Tyrannous: Tyrannical or oppressive.
Explanation:
The speaker begins by addressing the beloved, describing them as “tyrannous,” suggesting that the beloved’s beauty or behavior exerts a powerful and controlling influence over the speaker. This line introduces the theme of the beloved’s dominance and the speaker’s submissive admiration. The tone is both admiring and critical, setting the stage for a complex exploration of the relationship.
Sonnet Line 2:
“As those whose beauties proudly make them cruel;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Proudly: Arrogantly or haughtily.
- Make them cruel: Cause them to act cruelly.
Explanation:
The speaker compares the beloved to others whose beauty makes them arrogant and cruel. This line suggests that the beloved’s beauty has a similar effect, causing them to wield power over the speaker. The tone is critical, highlighting the speaker’s awareness of the beloved’s potentially harmful influence.
Sonnet Line 3:
“For well thou know’st to my dear doting heart”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Well thou know’st: You know very well.
- Dear doting heart: My affectionate and devoted heart.
Explanation:
The speaker acknowledges that the beloved is fully aware of their power over the speaker’s “dear doting heart.” This line emphasizes the beloved’s control and the speaker’s vulnerability, underscoring the imbalance in their relationship. The tone is resigned, highlighting the speaker’s acceptance of their submissive role.
Sonnet Line 4:
“Thou art the fairest and most precious jewel.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Fairest: Most beautiful.
- Precious jewel: A valuable and cherished gem.
Explanation:
Despite the beloved’s tyrannical nature, the speaker declares them to be the “fairest and most precious jewel.” This line underscores the speaker’s deep admiration and affection, even in the face of the beloved’s cruelty. The tone is reverent, emphasizing the speaker’s unwavering devotion.
Sonnet Line 5:
“Yet, in good faith, some say that thee behold,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- In good faith: Honestly or sincerely.
- Thee behold: See or observe you.
Explanation:
The speaker introduces a contrasting perspective, stating that some people who see the beloved do not find them as captivating as the speaker does. This line introduces the idea of differing opinions about the beloved’s beauty, adding complexity to the speaker’s portrayal. The tone is reflective, highlighting the speaker’s awareness of others’ views.
Sonnet Line 6:
“Thy face hath not the power to make love groan;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Thy face: Your face.
- Make love groan: Inspire deep passion or longing.
Explanation:
The speaker reports that some believe the beloved’s face does not have the power to inspire deep passion or longing. This line contrasts with the speaker’s own feelings, emphasizing the subjectivity of beauty and love. The tone is critical, underscoring the speaker’s disagreement with this perspective.
Sonnet Line 7:
“To say they err I dare not be so bold,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- They err: They are mistaken.
- Dare not be so bold: Do not dare to be so assertive.
Explanation:
The speaker admits that they do not dare to openly contradict those who hold this view, even though they believe it to be mistaken. This line highlights the speaker’s reluctance to challenge others’ opinions, perhaps out of humility or fear of conflict. The tone is cautious, emphasizing the speaker’s restraint.
Sonnet Line 8:
“Although I swear it to myself alone.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Swear it: Affirm or declare it.
- To myself alone: Privately or internally.
Explanation:
The speaker confesses that they privately affirm the beloved’s beauty and power, even if they do not express it openly. This line underscores the speaker’s deep, personal conviction, contrasting with their public reticence. The tone is sincere, highlighting the speaker’s inner devotion.
Sonnet Line 9:
“And to be sure that is not false I swear,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- To be sure: To confirm or verify.
- False: Untrue or mistaken.
Explanation:
The speaker reaffirms their belief in the beloved’s beauty, swearing that their conviction is true. This line emphasizes the speaker’s certainty and commitment, despite others’ differing opinions. The tone is passionate, underscoring the speaker’s unwavering faith.
Sonnet Line 10:
“A thousand groans, but thinking on thy face,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Groans: Expressions of deep emotion or longing.
- Thinking on thy face: Reflecting on your face.
Explanation:
The speaker describes how thoughts of the beloved’s face evoke a thousand groans, symbolizing deep passion and longing. This line underscores the intensity of the speaker’s feelings, contrasting with the more subdued reactions of others. The tone is emotional, highlighting the speaker’s profound attachment.
Sonnet Line 11:
“One on another’s neck, do witness bear”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- One on another’s neck: One after another, in quick succession.
- Witness bear: Testify or provide evidence.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that their groans, coming one after another, serve as evidence of the beloved’s beauty and power. This line emphasizes the speaker’s emotional response as proof of the beloved’s impact. The tone is fervent, underscoring the speaker’s passionate devotion.
Sonnet Line 12:
“Thy black is fairest in my judgment’s place.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Thy black: Your dark features or complexion.
- Fairest: Most beautiful.
- Judgment’s place: In my opinion.
Explanation:
The speaker declares that the beloved’s dark features are the most beautiful in their eyes. This line challenges conventional standards of beauty, celebrating the beloved’s unique appearance. The tone is defiant, emphasizing the speaker’s rejection of societal norms.
Sonnet Line 13:
“In nothing art thou black save in thy deeds,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Art thou black: Are you dark or morally flawed.
- Save in thy deeds: Except in your actions.
Explanation:
The speaker clarifies that the beloved’s darkness lies only in their actions, not in their appearance. This line suggests that the beloved’s behavior, rather than their looks, is the source of their tyrannical nature. The tone is critical, highlighting the speaker’s awareness of the beloved’s flaws.
Sonnet Line 14:
“And thence this slander, as I think, proceeds.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Thence: From there or as a result.
- Slander: False or damaging statements.
- Proceeds: Originates or arises.
Explanation:
The speaker concludes that the negative opinions about the beloved’s beauty arise from their actions, rather than their appearance. This line suggests that the beloved’s behavior has led to their being unfairly judged. The tone is reflective, emphasizing the speaker’s understanding of the situation.
In-Depth Analysis of Sonnet 131
Summary
In Sonnet 131, Shakespeare addresses the Dark Lady, a mysterious woman featured in the latter part of his sonnet sequence. The speaker acknowledges that she is “tyrannous,” meaning she exerts a cruel power over him, much like those who use their beauty to manipulate and control. He confesses that, despite her harshness, he sees her as the most precious jewel, suggesting that his deep love blinds him to her faults.
However, he also acknowledges that others do not find her particularly beautiful. Some claim that her face does not have the power to make men suffer for love, but the speaker cannot bring himself to argue against them outright. Instead, he swears privately that he experiences profound emotional turmoil just by thinking of her face.
The final quatrain and couplet further develop the theme of her unconventional beauty. He insists that her “black” appearance is the fairest in his eyes, meaning that he finds her dark features more beautiful than the conventional standards of beauty. However, he concedes that her true “blackness” lies in her cruel actions, and he speculates that this is the source of negative opinions about her rather than her physical appearance.
Critical Analysis
Like many of the Dark Lady sonnets, Sonnet 131 explores the complexities of love, beauty, and power. The poem challenges traditional ideals of beauty, much like Sonnet 127, which defends dark features against conventional standards that favored fair skin and golden hair. Here, the speaker acknowledges that others do not find the Dark Lady attractive, yet he remains devoted to her.
One of the most striking aspects of the sonnet is the tension between adoration and resentment. The speaker openly recognizes the Dark Lady’s cruelty, yet he continues to love her, even suffering for her sake. This paradox suggests that his love is more of an obsession, one that he cannot control.
Furthermore, the poem highlights the power of perception in beauty. The speaker admits that others do not see the Dark Lady as beautiful, but he passionately insists that his love makes her “the fairest” in his eyes. This idea aligns with the Renaissance notion that love can shape and redefine beauty.
The final couplet adds a significant shift in tone. After defending her dark beauty throughout the poem, the speaker suddenly acknowledges that her “blackness” is metaphorical—she is not dark in appearance alone, but in her “deeds.” This suggests that her unkindness, rather than her physical features, is the real reason people criticize her. The word “slander” suggests that he still feels protective of her, implying that his love endures despite her cruelty.
Overall, Sonnet 131 presents love as something irrational and consuming. The speaker is aware of the Dark Lady’s flaws, yet he remains helplessly devoted, emphasizing love’s ability to blind reason.
Theme Analysis
- Love as an Obsession
- The speaker is painfully aware of the Dark Lady’s cruelty, yet he cannot escape his love for her. His suffering reflects the idea that love is not always logical or fair.
- Beauty and Perception
- The sonnet challenges conventional beauty standards by suggesting that beauty is subjective. While others may not see the Dark Lady as attractive, the speaker insists that she is “the fairest” in his eyes.
- The Power of the Beloved
- The Dark Lady exerts emotional control over the speaker, much like a tyrant. This theme is common in Renaissance poetry, where love is often depicted as a force that enslaves the lover.
- The Contrast Between Outer Appearance and Inner Morality
- The poem differentiates between physical beauty and moral character. While the speaker defends the Dark Lady’s appearance, he ultimately concedes that her “blackness” is more evident in her cruel actions.
Literary Devices
- Metaphor
- “Thou art as tyrannous” → Compares the Dark Lady to a tyrant, emphasizing her emotional power over the speaker.
- “The fairest and most precious jewel” → A metaphor for the speaker’s admiration, contrasting with the idea of her cruelty.
- Irony
- The speaker passionately defends the Dark Lady’s beauty but ultimately admits that she is “black” in her actions, undermining his own argument.
- Paradox
- The speaker simultaneously acknowledges that others do not find the Dark Lady attractive and yet insists that she is the most beautiful to him.
- Contrast
- The poem contrasts the Dark Lady’s physical darkness with her inner darkness, separating appearance from morality.
- Personification
- The speaker gives love the ability to “groan,” emphasizing its painful nature.
Conclusion
Sonnet 131 is a complex meditation on love, beauty, and perception. The speaker remains devoted to the Dark Lady despite her cruelty, highlighting the irrationality of love. The poem also challenges traditional beauty standards, suggesting that beauty is subjective rather than universal.
However, the final couplet introduces a moment of self-awareness, as the speaker recognizes that the Dark Lady’s true “blackness” lies in her unkind actions. This tension between devotion and resentment captures the torment of an all-consuming love, making Sonnet 131 a powerful exploration of desire and emotional vulnerability.
