Sonnet 88: When Thou Shalt Be Dispos’d To Set Me Light
When thou shalt be dispos’d to set me light,
And place my merit in the eye of scorn,
Upon thy side, against myself I’ll fight,
And prove thee virtuous, though thou art forsworn.
With mine own weakness being best acquainted,
Upon thy part I can set down a story
Of faults concealed, wherein I am attainted;
That thou in losing me shalt win much glory:
And I by this will be a gainer too;
For bending all my loving thoughts on thee,
The injuries that to myself I do,
Doing thee vantage, double-vantage me.
Such is my love, to thee I so belong,
That for thy right, myself will bear all wrong.
Line 1:
“When thou shalt be dispos’d to set me light,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Dispos’d: Inclined or willing.
- Set me light: Disparage or undervalue me.
Explanation:
The speaker begins by addressing the beloved, suggesting that if they ever decide to belittle or undervalue him, he will respond in a surprising way.
Context:
This line sets the tone for the sonnet, introducing the theme of self-sacrifice and the speaker’s willingness to defend the beloved even at his own expense.
Line 2:
“And place my merit in the eye of scorn,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Merit: Worth or value.
- Eye of scorn: Public disdain or ridicule.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that the beloved might publicly scorn or ridicule his worth, but he is prepared to respond in a way that defends the beloved’s honor.
Context:
This line highlights the speaker’s anticipation of potential rejection or scorn from the beloved and his readiness to respond with self-sacrifice.
Line 3:
“Upon thy side, against myself I’ll fight,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Upon thy side: On your behalf.
Explanation:
The speaker declares that he will take the beloved’s side and argue against himself, defending the beloved’s actions even if they are wrong.
Context:
This line emphasizes the speaker’s selflessness and his willingness to sacrifice his own reputation for the sake of the beloved.
Line 4:
“And prove thee virtuous, though thou art forsworn.”
Difficult words meaning:
- Prove thee virtuous: Demonstrate your virtue.
- Forsworn: False or deceitful.
Explanation:
The speaker claims that he will argue for the beloved’s virtue, even if the beloved has been deceitful or false.
Context:
This line underscores the speaker’s unwavering loyalty and his willingness to defend the beloved’s honor, regardless of their actions.
Line 5:
“With mine own weakness being best acquainted,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Best acquainted: Most familiar with.
Explanation:
The speaker acknowledges that he is well aware of his own weaknesses and flaws, which makes him uniquely qualified to argue against himself.
Context:
This line reflects the speaker’s self-awareness and his willingness to use his own flaws to defend the beloved.
Line 6:
“Upon thy part I can set down a story”
Difficult words meaning:
- Set down a story: Write or present an account.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that he can craft a narrative that supports the beloved’s side, using his knowledge of his own weaknesses to do so.
Context:
This line highlights the speaker’s skill in argumentation and his willingness to use it to defend the beloved.
Line 7:
“Of faults concealed, wherein I am attainted;”
Difficult words meaning:
- Faults concealed: Hidden flaws.
- Attainted: Tainted or disgraced.
Explanation:
The speaker claims that he can reveal his own hidden flaws to support the beloved’s case, even if it means tarnishing his own reputation.
Context:
This line emphasizes the speaker’s self-sacrifice and his willingness to expose his own faults for the beloved’s benefit.
Line 8:
“That thou in losing me shalt win much glory:”
Difficult words meaning:
- Win much glory: Gain honor or respect.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that by rejecting him, the beloved will gain honor and respect, as the speaker’s self-sacrifice will make the beloved appear virtuous.
Context:
This line reflects the speaker’s belief that his own loss will result in the beloved’s gain, further emphasizing his selflessness.
Line 9:
“And I by this will be a gainer too;”
Difficult words meaning:
- Gainer: Beneficiary or winner.
Explanation:
The speaker claims that he will also benefit from this situation, as his self-sacrifice will bring him a sense of fulfillment or moral victory.
Context:
This line highlights the speaker’s belief that his actions, though self-sacrificial, will ultimately bring him a sense of gain or satisfaction.
Line 10:
“For bending all my loving thoughts on thee,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Bending: Directing or focusing.
Explanation:
The speaker explains that by directing all his loving thoughts toward the beloved, he finds a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Context:
This line underscores the speaker’s deep devotion and the centrality of the beloved in his thoughts and actions.
Line 11:
“The injuries that to myself I do,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Injuries: Harm or damage.
Explanation:
The speaker acknowledges that his self-sacrificial actions cause harm to himself, but he sees this harm as a necessary part of his devotion.
Context:
This line reflects the speaker’s acceptance of the pain and harm that come with his self-sacrifice, as long as it benefits the beloved.
Line 12:
“Doing thee vantage, double-vantage me.”
Difficult words meaning:
- Vantage: Benefit or advantage.
- Double-vantage: Bring double benefit.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that by benefiting the beloved, he also gains a double benefit, as his actions bring him a sense of moral victory and fulfillment.
Context:
This line emphasizes the speaker’s belief that his self-sacrifice is ultimately rewarding, as it benefits both the beloved and himself.
Line 13:
“Such is my love, to thee I so belong,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Belong: Am devoted or attached.
Explanation:
The speaker declares that his love for the beloved is so profound that he feels entirely devoted and attached to them.
Context:
This line highlights the depth of the speaker’s love and his sense of belonging to the beloved.
Line 14:
“That for thy right, myself will bear all wrong.”
Difficult words meaning:
- Thy right: Your cause or honor.
- Bear all wrong: Endure all harm or injustice.
Explanation:
The speaker concludes by stating that he is willing to endure all harm and injustice for the sake of the beloved’s honor and cause.
Context:
This final line ties together the sonnet’s central theme: the speaker’s selfless devotion and willingness to sacrifice himself for the beloved’s benefit.
Overall Summary:
In Sonnet 88, Shakespeare explores the themes of self-sacrifice, loyalty, and the complexities of love. The speaker declares his willingness to defend the beloved’s honor and virtue, even if it means arguing against himself and exposing his own flaws. He acknowledges that his self-sacrificial actions may cause him harm, but he sees this as a necessary and ultimately rewarding part of his devotion. The sonnet reflects the speaker’s deep love and unwavering loyalty, as well as his belief that his self-sacrifice will bring both the beloved and himself a sense of gain and fulfillment. It is a poignant meditation on the nature of selfless love and the willingness to endure harm for the sake of another.
In-Depth Analysis of Sonnet 88
Summary
In Sonnet 88, Shakespeare explores the theme of self-sacrificial love, in which the speaker declares his willingness to take the blame and devalue himself if the Fair Youth ever chooses to cast him aside. The sonnet expresses an intense, almost masochistic devotion, as the speaker promises to fight against himself in order to justify the youth’s actions, even if they are unjust.
The first quatrain sets up the premise: if the Fair Youth decides to “set me light” (treat the speaker as worthless) and scorn his merits, the speaker will paradoxically support this judgment rather than resist it. He will even “prove thee virtuous, though thou art forsworn,” meaning he will defend the youth’s honor even if the youth is guilty of falsehood.
The second quatrain continues this idea by acknowledging the speaker’s own faults. Since he is fully aware of his own weaknesses, he claims he can compose a story that exposes his own shortcomings. By doing so, he ensures that when the Fair Youth abandons him, it will not be seen as a cruel act but rather as something that enhances the youth’s reputation (“That thou in losing me shalt win much glory”).
In the third quatrain, the speaker insists that even in this apparent loss, he will still benefit (“And I by this will be a gainer too”). He argues that because his love is completely devoted to the youth, any self-inflicted harm he endures will ultimately serve as a reinforcement of his love. His pain becomes a “double-vantage”—an advantage for the youth and, by extension, for himself.
The closing couplet reinforces the self-sacrificial nature of the speaker’s love. He claims that he “so belongs” to the youth that he will endure any wrong if it serves to protect the youth’s reputation and dignity.
Critical Analysis
1. The Paradox of Self-Sacrifice in Love
The speaker expresses a level of devotion that borders on self-annihilation. Instead of defending himself when wronged, he is willing to assist in his own disgrace. This paradox illustrates the extent to which love can blur the lines between self-respect and self-sacrifice. Shakespeare presents a kind of love that is completely one-sided, where the lover not only accepts mistreatment but also actively participates in his own downfall for the benefit of the beloved.
2. The Role of Power and Submission
The sonnet reveals an imbalanced power dynamic in the speaker’s relationship with the Fair Youth. The youth holds complete authority, while the speaker is powerless and even complicit in his own belittlement. This reflects a broader theme in Shakespeare’s sonnets—the idea that love can create a state of emotional servitude, where one person surrenders all agency for the sake of another.
3. The Theme of Betrayal and Justification
The phrase “though thou art forsworn” suggests that the youth has been unfaithful or deceitful. However, instead of condemning him, the speaker justifies his actions. This reflects a recurring motif in Shakespeare’s sonnets, where the speaker struggles between acknowledging the youth’s faults and maintaining unwavering devotion. The sonnet suggests that love can be so overpowering that it forces the lover to rationalize even the worst betrayals.
4. The Psychological Depth of the Speaker
The speaker exhibits a deep awareness of his own shortcomings, yet instead of using this awareness to defend himself, he weaponizes it against himself. This psychological complexity suggests an intense emotional dependency—his entire sense of self is bound to the youth’s perception of him. If the youth sees him as worthless, he will adopt that view, reinforcing the notion that love can erode one’s self-esteem.
Theme Analysis
1. Unconditional Love and Devotion
The speaker’s love is so unconditional that he is willing to harm himself for the benefit of the youth. His love is not based on fairness or reciprocity but on absolute self-surrender.
2. The Pain of Rejection
The sonnet anticipates the youth’s rejection and shows the speaker’s willingness to justify it. This reflects a painful truth about love: sometimes, those who love deeply are willing to excuse even the most unjust actions from their beloved.
3. Self-Destruction in Love
The speaker’s love is not just about devotion; it is about self-destruction. He actively participates in his own belittlement, demonstrating how love can sometimes lead to a loss of self-worth.
4. The Complexity of Truth and Lies in Love
The line “prove thee virtuous, though thou art forsworn” suggests that love can lead to self-deception. The speaker knows the youth is false, yet he will still argue in his favor. Love, in this context, becomes a force that distorts reality, making truth secondary to devotion.
Literary Devices
1. Paradox
- “Upon thy side, against myself I’ll fight.”
- The speaker claims he will fight against himself on behalf of the youth. This paradox highlights the irrationality of love and its ability to make a person act against their own interests.
2. Legal and Judicial Metaphors
- “Upon thy part I can set down a story / Of faults concealed, wherein I am attainted.”
- The speaker uses the language of law and testimony, as if he is a defendant confessing his own guilt in a trial. This reinforces the idea that love, like justice, can be manipulated.
3. Irony
- The speaker acknowledges that the youth is “forsworn” (untruthful or faithless), yet he still insists on proving him virtuous. This dramatic irony underscores the speaker’s emotional blindness.
4. Alliteration
- “double-vantage”
- The repetition of the “v” sound enhances the rhythm of the line, emphasizing the speaker’s belief that his suffering benefits both the youth and himself.
5. Enjambment
- “And I by this will be a gainer too; / For bending all my loving thoughts on thee,”
- The continuation of thought across lines reflects the speaker’s flowing, almost obsessive devotion.
Conclusion
Sonnet 88 explores themes of self-sacrificial love, emotional servitude, and the paradox of justifying betrayal. The speaker’s willingness to fight against himself for the sake of the Fair Youth’s reputation highlights the extremes to which love can push an individual. Shakespeare presents love as a force that can erode self-worth, making the lover complicit in his own suffering.
This sonnet is a powerful reflection on love’s ability to distort reality, turning rejection into an act of devotion and betrayal into something excusable. In the end, the speaker’s love is not about mutual happiness but about complete submission—he is willing to bear all wrongs if it means preserving the youth’s honor.
