Sonnet 96: Some Say Thy Fault Is Youth, Some Wantonness
Some say thy fault is youth, some wantonness;
Some say thy grace is youth and gentle sport;
Both grace and faults are lov’d of more and less:
Thou mak’st faults graces that to thee resort.
As on the finger of a throned queen
The basest jewel will be well esteem’d,
So are those errors that in thee are seen
To truths translated, and for true things deem’d.
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!
But do not so; I love thee in such sort,
As, thou being mine, mine is thy good report.
Line 1:
“Some say thy fault is youth, some wantonness;”
Difficult words meaning:
- Fault: Flaw or imperfection.
- Wantonness: Playfulness or recklessness.
Explanation:
The speaker begins by noting that some people attribute the beloved’s flaws to their youth, while others attribute them to their playful or reckless nature.
Context:
This line sets the tone for the sonnet, introducing the theme of the beloved’s perceived faults and how they are interpreted by others.
Line 2:
“Some say thy grace is youth and gentle sport;”
Difficult words meaning:
- Grace: Charm or attractiveness.
- Gentle sport: Playful or lighthearted behavior.
Explanation:
The speaker continues by noting that some people see the beloved’s youth and playful behavior as charming and attractive.
Context:
This line highlights the duality of the beloved’s behavior, which can be seen as both a fault and a grace.
Line 3:
“Both grace and faults are lov’d of more and less:”
Difficult words meaning:
- Lov’d of more and less: Loved by people of all ranks and statuses.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that both the beloved’s charms and faults are loved by people of all kinds, regardless of their social status.
Context:
This line reflects the idea that the beloved’s behavior, whether seen as a fault or a grace, is universally appealing.
Line 4:
“Thou mak’st faults graces that to thee resort.”
Difficult words meaning:
- Mak’st faults graces: Turn faults into charms.
- Resort: Belong or pertain.
Explanation:
The speaker claims that the beloved has the ability to turn their faults into charms, making even their imperfections attractive.
Context:
This line emphasizes the beloved’s unique ability to transform their flaws into something appealing.
Line 5:
“As on the finger of a throned queen”
Difficult words meaning:
- Throned queen: A queen seated on her throne.
Explanation:
The speaker uses the metaphor of a queen’s finger to illustrate how even the most ordinary things can become valuable when associated with someone of high status.
Context:
This line introduces a metaphor to explain how the beloved’s status and beauty can elevate even their faults.
Line 6:
“The basest jewel will be well esteem’d,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Basest jewel: The most ordinary or lowly jewel.
- Esteem’d: Valued or respected.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that even the most ordinary jewel will be highly valued if it is worn by a queen, just as the beloved’s faults are seen as charming because of their beauty.
Context:
This line reinforces the idea that the beloved’s status and beauty can make even their flaws appear valuable.
Line 7:
“So are those errors that in thee are seen”
Difficult words meaning:
- Errors: Mistakes or faults.
Explanation:
The speaker claims that the beloved’s faults are like the ordinary jewels worn by a queen, becoming valuable because of their association with the beloved.
Context:
This line continues the metaphor, emphasizing how the beloved’s beauty and status elevate their faults.
Line 8:
“To truths translated, and for true things deem’d.”
Difficult words meaning:
- Translated: Transformed or converted.
- Deem’d: Considered or regarded.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that the beloved’s faults are transformed into truths and regarded as genuine virtues because of their beauty and charm.
Context:
This line underscores the idea that the beloved’s beauty has the power to turn their flaws into something positive.
Line 9:
“How many lambs might the stern wolf betray,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Lambs: Innocent or naive individuals.
- Stern wolf: A fierce or predatory wolf.
Explanation:
The speaker uses the metaphor of a wolf in sheep’s clothing to illustrate how the beloved’s beauty and charm could deceive others.
Context:
This line introduces a cautionary note, suggesting that the beloved’s attractiveness could be used to mislead or harm others.
Line 10:
“If like a lamb he could his looks translate!”
Difficult words meaning:
- Translate: Transform or disguise.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that if the wolf could disguise itself as a lamb, it could easily deceive and betray the innocent.
Context:
This line continues the metaphor, emphasizing the potential for deception if the beloved’s beauty is misused.
Line 11:
“How many gazers mightst thou lead away,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Gazers: Admirers or onlookers.
- Lead away: Mislead or deceive.
Explanation:
The speaker suggests that the beloved could easily mislead many admirers with their beauty and charm.
Context:
This line reflects the speaker’s concern that the beloved’s attractiveness could be used to deceive others.
Line 12:
“If thou wouldst use the strength of all thy state!”
Difficult words meaning:
- Strength of all thy state: The full power of your beauty and status.
Explanation:
The speaker warns that if the beloved were to fully use their beauty and status, they could easily mislead and deceive others.
Context:
This line underscores the potential for misuse of the beloved’s beauty and charm.
Line 13:
“But do not so; I love thee in such sort,”
Difficult words meaning:
- Sort: Manner or way.
Explanation:
The speaker urges the beloved not to misuse their beauty, as he loves them in a way that values their true character.
Context:
This line introduces a note of caution and affection, as the speaker advises the beloved to use their beauty wisely.
Line 14:
“As, thou being mine, mine is thy good report.”
Difficult words meaning:
- Good report: Good reputation or honor.
Explanation:
The speaker concludes by stating that because the beloved belongs to him, their good reputation is also his, and he values it deeply.
Context:
This final line ties together the sonnet’s central theme: the speaker’s love for the beloved and his desire for them to maintain their good reputation, rather than misusing their beauty and charm.
Overall Summary:
In Sonnet 96, Shakespeare explores the themes of beauty, charm, and the potential for deception. The speaker marvels at how the beloved’s beauty can transform their faults into charms, making even their imperfections appealing. However, he also warns the beloved not to misuse their beauty and charm to deceive others, as he values their true character and good reputation. The sonnet is a meditation on the power of beauty and the importance of using it wisely, rather than exploiting it for personal gain.
In-Depth Analysis of Sonnet 96
Summary
In Sonnet 96, Shakespeare examines the Fair Youth’s faults and virtues, arguing that his beauty and charm allow him to transform even his flaws into graces in the eyes of others. However, the poet warns the youth not to exploit this power, as his reputation depends on how he chooses to conduct himself.
The first quatrain presents two conflicting views:
- Some blame the youth’s faults on his “youth.”
- Others see his faults as a result of “wantonness,” suggesting indulgence in pleasure or reckless behavior.
- Ironically, both his virtues and vices are loved by many, and he has a unique ability to turn faults into graces.
The second quatrain deepens this idea:
- A “basest jewel” on a queen’s finger will still appear valuable because of who wears it.
- Similarly, the youth’s flaws are “translated to truths,” meaning they are mistaken for virtues simply because of his beauty and status.
The third quatrain introduces an animal metaphor:
- A wolf disguised as a lamb could betray many innocent creatures.
- Likewise, the youth’s outward goodness could mislead many people if he chooses to manipulate them.
The final couplet is both a plea and a declaration:
- The poet urges the youth not to misuse his influence.
- His reputation is tied to the poet’s love (“mine is thy good report”), meaning the youth’s virtue reflects upon him as well.
Critical Analysis
1. Beauty as a Double-Edged Sword
- The Fair Youth’s charisma allows him to transform vices into virtues.
- However, this is a dangerous power—if misused, it could lead to moral corruption.
- Shakespeare subtly warns that charm can be manipulative if not guided by integrity.
2. The Theme of Perception vs. Reality
- The “basest jewel” metaphor suggests that perception determines value.
- The youth’s flaws appear virtuous simply because of his beauty.
- This is a continuation of Sonnet 95, where outward attractiveness concealed inner corruption.
3. The Wolf and the Lamb: The Danger of Deception
- The wolf (symbolizing potential deceit) can disguise itself as a lamb.
- This highlights the risk of manipulation—if the youth exploits his charm, he could mislead and harm others.
- This warning echoes themes from Sonnet 94, where those who resist temptation are truly noble.
4. The Poet’s Personal Investment
- The final couplet reveals personal stakes—Shakespeare’s love and reputation are tied to the youth’s virtue.
- This implies anxiety—if the youth falls from grace, the poet’s admiration may also suffer.
Theme Analysis
1. The Power and Peril of Beauty
- Beauty can transform flaws into virtues in the eyes of the world.
- However, this power must be used responsibly.
2. Deception and Perception
- The youth’s outward charm allows him to deceive others without intent.
- Shakespeare urges him not to misuse this ability.
3. The Poet’s Emotional Vulnerability
- The poet’s love is deeply intertwined with the youth’s moral choices.
- His plea suggests both admiration and concern.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor: The Queen’s Jewel
- Even a worthless jewel appears valuable on a queen’s finger.
- This represents how the youth’s status and beauty make even his faults seem admirable.
2. Symbolism: The Wolf and the Lamb
- The wolf represents deception and potential danger.
- The lamb represents innocence and trust.
- This symbolizes how outward innocence can be used for manipulation.
3. Irony: Flaws as Virtues
- The youth’s faults are loved rather than condemned.
- Shakespeare highlights how beauty distorts moral judgment.
Conclusion
Sonnet 96 serves as both praise and caution. While the Fair Youth has an extraordinary ability to turn faults into virtues, Shakespeare warns him not to abuse this power. His beauty and charm should not be used for deception—otherwise, he risks betraying those who love him.
