Poem Analysis - Sonnet 151 Love Is Too Young To Know What Conscience Is

Introduction: A Justification of Lust

Shakespeare's Sonnet 151 is a passionate, almost desperate, attempt to justify physical desire. The speaker grapples with the conflict between love, conscience, and lust, ultimately surrendering to the power of physical attraction. The tone is initially apologetic, bordering on defensive, as the speaker tries to excuse his actions. However, a shift occurs as the poem progresses, transitioning towards a proud acceptance of his desires, even celebrating the body's triumph over reason.

The Twisted Logic of Love and Conscience

One of the central themes is the relationship between love and conscience. The opening lines establish a paradox: "Love is too young to know what conscience is; / Yet who knows not conscience is born of love?" The speaker suggests that love, in its initial stages, is innocent and lacks moral awareness. However, he also implies that conscience, or a sense of right and wrong, arises from love itself. This creates a confusing circular argument, almost as if the speaker is trying to create a system to excuse his behavior. He uses this twisted logic to suggest that his actions, even if they appear to be betrayals, are somehow rooted in love and therefore excusable.

Treason of the Soul

The theme of inner conflict and betrayal is strongly emphasized. The speaker describes himself as betraying his "nobler part" (his soul) to his "gross body's treason." This imagery creates a vivid sense of internal struggle, with the soul acting as a moral compass and the body representing base desires. The body is not merely desiring, it's committing treason. This metaphor highlights the speaker's feeling of guilt and self-reproach but also his helplessness in the face of overwhelming lust. The use of "treason" elevates the conflict to a higher level, suggesting a profound violation of the self.

The Body as Triumphant Victor

The image of the "rising" body becomes a powerful symbol of the triumph of physical desire. The speaker states that his "flesh stays no farther reason, / But, rising at thy name, doth point out thee / As his triumphant prize." This imagery is overtly sexual, and the "rising" flesh becomes a visual representation of the speaker's uncontrollable passion. The body is personified as a proud and victorious entity, claiming the beloved as its "triumphant prize." This vivid image reinforces the idea that physical desire has conquered reason and morality.

A Drudge of Love

The image of being a “drudge” reveals how power is imbalanced in this relationship. The speaker calls the woman a “gentle cheater” and calls himself her “poor drudge.” The speaker has accepted the role of servile lover, willing to "stand in thy affairs, fall by thy side." The speaker’s pride is twisted. He is “proud of this pride,” meaning that he is willingly subjugating himself. This voluntary submission suggests a complex dynamic of desire, where the speaker finds pleasure in serving the object of his lust, regardless of the cost to his self-respect.

Conclusion: The Irresistible Force of Desire

In conclusion, Sonnet 151 is a complex and honest exploration of the conflict between love, conscience, and physical desire. The poem highlights the speaker's struggle to reconcile his moral sense with his overwhelming passion. Ultimately, the sonnet portrays the body's desires as a force that overwhelms reason and morality, leading to a somewhat desperate but ultimately proud acceptance of lust. The poem's significance lies in its unflinching portrayal of human desire and its exploration of the ways in which we attempt to justify our actions, even when they contradict our own moral principles.