Sonnet 70: That Thou Art Blamed Shall Not Be Thy Defect
That thou art blamed shall not be thy defect,
For slander’s mark was ever yet the fair;
The ornament of beauty is suspect,
A crow that flies in heaven’s sweetest air.
So thou be good, slander doth but approve
Thy worth the greater, being woo’d of time;
For canker vice the sweetest buds doth love,
And thou present’st a pure unstained prime.
Thou hast pass’d by the ambush of young days,
Either not assail’d or victor being charged;
Yet this thy praise cannot be so thy praise,
To tie up envy evermore enlarged:
If some suspect of ill mask’d not thy show,
Then thou alone kingdoms of hearts shouldst owe.
This is Shakespeare’s Sonnet 70, a defense of the beloved against slander and envy. The speaker argues that being blamed is not a flaw in the beloved but rather a consequence of his beauty and virtue, which attract jealousy and false accusations. Let’s break it down line by line.
Line 1:
“That thou art blamed shall not be thy defect,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Blamed: Accused, criticized.
- Defect: Flaw, fault.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker begins by asserting that the beloved’s being blamed is not due to any fault of his own. This line sets the tone for the sonnet, introducing the idea that the beloved’s beauty and virtue make him a target for slander.
Line 2:
“For slander’s mark was ever yet the fair;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Slander’s mark: The target of slander.
- Fair: Beautiful, virtuous.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker explains that slander has always targeted those who are beautiful or virtuous (“the fair”). This line suggests that the beloved’s beauty and goodness make him a natural target for envy and false accusations.
Line 3:
“The ornament of beauty is suspect,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Ornament: Adornment, enhancement.
- Suspect: Viewed with suspicion.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker notes that beauty itself is often viewed with suspicion, as if it is a disguise for something less pure. This line reflects the idea that the beloved’s beauty makes others doubt his virtue, even though there is no basis for such doubts.
Line 4:
“A crow that flies in heaven’s sweetest air.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Crow: A symbol of darkness or corruption.
- Heaven’s sweetest air: The realm of purity and beauty.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker uses a metaphor to describe slander as a “crow” that taints the purity of beauty (“heaven’s sweetest air”). This line emphasizes the contrast between the beloved’s innocence and the corruption of those who slander him.
Line 5:
“So thou be good, slander doth but approve”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- So thou be good: As long as you are virtuous.
- Approve: Prove, demonstrate.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker argues that as long as the beloved is virtuous, slander only serves to prove his worth. This line suggests that false accusations highlight the beloved’s goodness by contrasting it with the malice of his critics.
Line 6:
“Thy worth the greater, being woo’d of time;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Woo’d of time: Sought after by time, enduring.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker suggests that the beloved’s worth is even greater because it endures over time, despite the attempts of slander to tarnish it. This line emphasizes the beloved’s resilience and the lasting nature of his virtue.
Line 7:
“For canker vice the sweetest buds doth love,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Canker vice: Corrupting evil.
- Sweetest buds: The most beautiful and innocent.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker explains that corrupting forces (“canker vice”) are naturally drawn to the most beautiful and innocent (“sweetest buds”). This line reflects the idea that the beloved’s purity makes him a target for envy and slander.
Line 8:
“And thou present’st a pure unstained prime.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Present’st: Represent, embody.
- Unstained prime: Perfect, untainted youth.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker praises the beloved as a symbol of pure and untainted youth (“unstained prime”). This line reinforces the idea that the beloved’s beauty and virtue are flawless, making him a target for those who seek to corrupt or destroy such perfection.
Line 9:
“Thou hast pass’d by the ambush of young days,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Ambush: Hidden danger, temptation.
- Young days: Youth.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker acknowledges that the beloved has successfully navigated the temptations and dangers of youth (“the ambush of young days”). This line suggests that the beloved’s virtue has remained intact despite the challenges of growing up.
Line 10:
“Either not assail’d or victor being charged;”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Assail’d: Attacked, tempted.
- Victor being charged: Triumphant when challenged.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker explains that the beloved has either avoided temptation entirely or emerged victorious when challenged. This line emphasizes the beloved’s strength and integrity, which have allowed him to remain pure and virtuous.
Line 11:
“Yet this thy praise cannot be so thy praise,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Praise: Admiration, acclaim.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker notes that even this praise of the beloved’s virtue cannot fully protect him from envy and slander. This line reflects the idea that no amount of admiration can shield the beloved from the malice of others.
Line 12:
“To tie up envy evermore enlarged:”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Tie up: Restrain, control.
- Envy evermore enlarged: Growing and persistent envy.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker laments that praise cannot restrain the growing and persistent envy directed at the beloved. This line underscores the futility of trying to protect the beloved from the jealousy of others.
Line 13:
“If some suspect of ill mask’d not thy show,”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Suspect of ill: Suspicion of wrongdoing.
- Mask’d not thy show: Did not obscure your appearance.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker suggests that if there were no suspicion of wrongdoing to obscure the beloved’s beauty, he would be universally adored. This line reflects the idea that envy and slander are the only things preventing the beloved from being fully appreciated.
Line 14:
“Then thou alone kingdoms of hearts shouldst owe.”
Difficult Words Meaning:
- Kingdoms of hearts: The love and admiration of all.
- Owe: Possess, own.
Text and Context Explanation:
The speaker concludes that if not for the suspicion and envy directed at the beloved, he would possess the love and admiration of everyone (“kingdoms of hearts”). This line emphasizes the beloved’s worth and the tragedy of his being misunderstood and slandered.
Summary of the Sonnet:
Sonnet 70 defends the beloved against slander and envy, arguing that his beauty and virtue make him a target for false accusations. The speaker asserts that the beloved’s worth is proven by the very slander directed at him, as it highlights his purity and resilience. Despite the beloved’s triumph over temptation and his untainted character, envy and suspicion persist, obscuring his true worth. The sonnet ultimately celebrates the beloved’s virtue while lamenting the malice of those who seek to undermine him.
In-Depth Analysis of Sonnet 70
Summary
In Sonnet 70, Shakespeare reassures the young man that being criticized or slandered is not necessarily a reflection of his actual faults. Instead, slander often follows beauty, just as suspicion clings to the most admired people. The poet argues that those who are truly virtuous are often the targets of envy and false accusations. However, the young man has either avoided or overcome the temptations of youth, preserving his “pure unstained prime.” Despite this, even the greatest virtue cannot entirely escape suspicion, and some will always seek to tarnish his reputation. The poem ends with a thought-provoking idea: if there were no whispers of wrongdoing against him, he would be so perfect that he would “own kingdoms of hearts.”
Critical Analysis
1. Beauty as a Target for Slander
- Shakespeare suggests that beauty naturally attracts suspicion, much like a crow appearing in “heaven’s sweetest air.”
- This implies that society often mistrusts or envies those who seem too perfect.
- The paradox is that being slandered can actually be proof of worthiness—those who are admired are more likely to be attacked.
2. The “Canker Vice” and Innocence
- Shakespeare uses the metaphor of a “canker” (a disease that destroys flowers) to describe how corruption often targets what is purest.
- This reinforces the idea that those who are most beautiful or virtuous are also the most vulnerable to negative forces.
- The poet praises the young man for maintaining his innocence despite the temptations of youth.
3. The Inescapability of Envy
- The young man has remained virtuous, but even this cannot completely silence critics.
- Shakespeare presents envy as an ever-growing force that seeks to tear down greatness.
- The final lines suggest that the only reason the young man does not hold absolute power over people’s hearts is that some still suspect him of hidden faults.
Theme Analysis
1. The Relationship Between Beauty and Slander
- The poem explores the idea that beauty and virtue often provoke envy and suspicion.
- This theme appears throughout Shakespeare’s works, particularly in the Sonnets, where beauty is both a blessing and a curse.
2. The Nature of Reputation and Public Perception
- The young man’s true virtue is contrasted with the way others perceive him.
- Shakespeare suggests that no one can entirely escape rumors, no matter how innocent they are.
- This theme ties into Renaissance concerns about the fragility of honor and reputation.
3. The Power of Envy
- Envy is presented as a destructive but inevitable force in society.
- Even the best people cannot avoid being suspected or criticized.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor: The Crow in Heaven’s Sweetest Air
- The “crow” represents slander and suspicion, while “heaven’s sweetest air” symbolizes beauty and virtue.
- This metaphor illustrates how even the most perfect individuals are not immune to criticism.
2. Paradox: Slander as Proof of Virtue
- Shakespeare argues that being slandered actually proves the young man’s greatness.
- This paradox challenges conventional ideas about reputation—being attacked does not always mean guilt.
3. Symbolism: The Canker and the Bud
- The “canker vice” represents corruption, while the “sweetest buds” symbolize innocence and virtue.
- This reinforces the idea that corruption often targets what is most beautiful or good.
Conclusion
Sonnet 70 presents a nuanced view of reputation, arguing that being slandered is not necessarily a sign of wrongdoing but rather a consequence of being admired. Shakespeare reassures the young man that his beauty and virtue naturally attract envy and suspicion. However, the final lines leave an unsettling thought—without even a hint of doubt against him, he would be so powerful that he could command the love of all. This suggests that absolute perfection may be unattainable in a world where envy always seeks to undermine greatness.
