Poem Analysis - Sonnet 67 Ah Wherefore With Infection Should He Live

Introduction: A Questioning Lament

Shakespeare's Sonnet 67 is a passionate lament, fraught with a sense of injustice and concern. The poem questions why a beautiful individual, the object of the speaker's affection, continues to exist in a world perceived as corrupt and deficient. The tone is accusatory, directed at both the individual and the world around him. The mood oscillates between frustration and a wistful appreciation of the subject's inherent worth, culminating in a recognition of the subject's role as a reminder of past beauty.

The World's Moral Bankruptcy

The poem's central theme revolves around the decay of virtue and beauty in the world. Shakespeare paints a picture of a society so morally bankrupt that it seeks to exploit and imitate the inherent goodness of the young man. Phrases like "infection," "impiety," and "sin" establish a pervasive atmosphere of corruption. The lines "Why should false painting imitate his cheek, / And steal dead seeming of his living hue?" highlight the artificiality and dishonesty of the world compared to the genuine beauty of the subject.

Nature's Dependence and Depletion

Another key theme is Nature's diminished state and its reliance on the young man. The poem argues that Nature is "bankrupt" and "beggared of blood," implying a lack of vitality and originality. It suggests that Nature's only source of beauty and vitality now resides in the subject. The lines "For she hath no exchequer now but his, / And proud of many, lives upon his gains?" emphasize the extent to which Nature is dependent on his inherent beauty, further highlighting the subject's exceptional qualities and the world's decline.

The Enduring Power of True Beauty

Despite the gloomy depiction of the world, the poem also celebrates the enduring power and significance of true beauty. The repeated questioning ("Why should...") emphasizes the speaker's conviction that the young man's beauty is intrinsically valuable and should not be tainted by the surrounding corruption. The final couplet, "O, him she stores, to show what wealth she had / In days long since, before these last so bad," reveals that the subject serves as a living testament to a bygone era of greater beauty and virtue. He is a repository of what once was, a reminder of a lost golden age.

Imagery of Corruption and Imitation

Recurring images of "infection" and "false painting" contribute significantly to the poem's message. "Infection" symbolizes the pervasive corruption that threatens to contaminate the young man's purity. "False painting" represents the artificial attempts to replicate his beauty, highlighting the superficiality and dishonesty of the world. The contrast between the "dead seeming" of the imitation and the "living hue" of the subject underscores the authenticity and vitality of his natural beauty. The image of "roses of shadow" further emphasizes the insubstantial and deceptive nature of imitation compared to the subject's "true" rose-like complexion, symbolizing his genuine beauty and youth. Is the "shadow" of a rose something that can even be truly appreciated or does it ultimately pale in comparison to the real bloom?

Conclusion: A Timeless Lament

In summary, Sonnet 67 is a powerful lament expressing the speaker's concern about the corruption of the world and its potential impact on a figure of exceptional beauty. Through vivid imagery and a questioning tone, the poem explores themes of moral decay, Nature's decline, and the enduring value of true beauty. Ultimately, the sonnet serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving genuine beauty and virtue in a world increasingly characterized by superficiality and corruption, a theme that resonates even today.