Poem Analysis - Sonnet 121 Tis Better To Be Vile Than Vile Esteemed

Introduction: Defiance and Self-Assertion

Shakespeare's Sonnet 121 is a powerful declaration of self-acceptance and defiance against societal judgment. The poem grapples with the tension between one's own moral compass and the often-hypocritical scrutiny of others. The tone is initially defensive, almost accusatory, but it evolves into a firm and resolute assertion of individuality. Throughout the sonnet, a sense of frustration simmers beneath the surface, ultimately giving way to a bold and somewhat cynical conclusion. This shift in mood underscores the speaker's journey from defensiveness to self-assuredness.

The Hypocrisy of Judgment

A central theme of Sonnet 121 is the **hypocrisy** inherent in judging others. The speaker questions why "others' false adulterate eyes" should dictate his own self-perception. He suggests that those who are quick to find fault in him are often more flawed themselves: "they that level / At my abuses reckon up their own." This accusation highlights a societal tendency to project one's own imperfections onto others, creating a distorted and unfair system of moral evaluation. The speaker refuses to be defined by such flawed assessments, choosing instead to trust his own judgment.

The Individual Versus Society

The poem powerfully explores the theme of the **individual's struggle against societal norms**. The speaker asks, "For why should others’ false adulterate eyes / Give salutation to my sportive blood?" Here, the "sportive blood" can be interpreted as the speaker's natural desires and inclinations, which society deems "vile." The sonnet argues that it is better to be true to oneself, even if it means being considered "vile" by others, than to suppress one's own nature to conform to external expectations. The speaker’s ultimate assertion, "No, I am that I am," is a clear rejection of societal pressure to conform, emphasizing the importance of self-definition.

Image of Moral Straightness

A recurring image in the poem is that of **moral straightness versus crookedness**. The speaker declares, "I may be straight though they themselves be bevel." The words "straight" and "bevel" (meaning crooked or angled) function as metaphors for moral integrity and corruption, respectively. This image underscores the speaker's belief that even if he is perceived as morally flawed by a corrupt society ("bevel"), he remains true to his own moral compass ("straight"). This creates a powerful visual representation of the speaker’s internal conviction and rejection of external moral judgments.

Concluding Cynicism and Self-Affirmation

In conclusion, Sonnet 121 is a complex exploration of self-acceptance in the face of societal judgment. The speaker's journey from defensiveness to defiance culminates in a somewhat cynical, yet ultimately empowering, declaration of self-affirmation. The final couplet, "Unless this general evil they maintain, / All men are bad and in their badness reign," suggests that the speaker has lost faith in the overall goodness of humanity, yet he still refuses to let that diminish his sense of self-worth. This final insight into the poem's significance reveals the profound psychological toll of being judged by others, and the resilient human spirit's ability to assert its own truth despite it all.