Poem Analysis - Sonnet 84 Who Is It That Says Most Which Can Say More

A Paradox of Praise: Introduction to Sonnet 84

Shakespeare's Sonnet 84 is a complex exploration of praise and its limitations. It presents a seemingly straightforward argument about the subject's inherent perfection, suggesting that simply acknowledging their existence is the highest form of flattery. However, the poem subtly shifts, hinting at a flaw in the subject's character: a vanity that ironically diminishes the very praise they seek. The tone begins admiring, almost reverential, but concludes with a cautionary, slightly critical edge, revealing a deeper understanding of human nature and the corrupting influence of excessive adulation.

The Inherent Worth of Simply Being: Theme of Intrinsic Value

One of the poem's central themes is the concept of intrinsic value. Shakespeare argues that the subject's worth is so self-evident that mere acknowledgment of their existence is sufficient praise. The lines "Than this rich praise that you alone are you, / In whose confine immurèd is the store Which should example where your equal grew?" highlight this idea. The subject is a repository of qualities so extraordinary that they serve as the standard against which all others are judged. The theme emerges through language suggesting a confinement, a rich storehouse held within a boundary that is the subject themselves. This is a profound statement about inherent value that does not rely on external validation or accomplishments.

The Limits of Language: Theme of Expression

The poem also examines the limits of language in capturing true beauty and essence. Shakespeare uses the image of the "lean penury" of a writer who cannot adequately describe his subject to illustrate this. The pen is "lean" and impoverished, unable to convey the subject's glory. If an author only writes the truth ("That you are you"), then this act itself dignifies and makes the story grand. The sonnet suggests that attempts to elaborate or embellish upon the inherent truth only detract from it. Language, therefore, becomes a tool of accurate mirroring rather than inventive creativity. This constraint on expression emphasizes the subject's unparalleled and inimitable nature.

The Corrupting Influence of Vanity: Theme of Imperfection

Perhaps the most subtle and poignant theme is the corrupting influence of vanity. This is primarily conveyed in the concluding couplet: "You to your beauteous blessings add a curse, / Being fond on praise, which makes your praises worse." This shift in tone introduces an element of criticism. The "curse" implies that the subject's desire for praise is a flaw that undermines their other admirable qualities. The word "fond" suggests an unhealthy obsession, indicating that the need for external validation ironically diminishes the subject's inherent worth. In this context, too much of good qualities can itself become a downfall. Thus, the poem suggests a complex relationship between beauty, praise, and the potential for self-destruction through vanity.

Images of Confinement and Reflection: Symbolism

The poem employs several recurring symbols and vivid images. The image of the subject being "immurèd" (walled in) suggests confinement, but also implies a protective containment of their valuable qualities. It speaks to a concentration of beauty and worth. The repeated use of "you" functions as a mirror, encouraging the subject to recognize and reflect upon their own being. Additionally, the "pen" serves as a symbol for the writer's ability (or inability) to capture the subject's essence. The "pen's penury" is a stark contrast to the subject's overflowing "store," underscoring the limitations of language to adequately convey true worth. The mirror image, in conjunction with the idea of "copying," emphasizes the notion of perfect duplication and the challenges inherent in representing such exceptional qualities. What is Shakespeare truly implying with the last line? Does Shakespeare suggest the subject isn't aware of this flaw, or that they simply can't help themselves?

A Balancing Act: Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, Sonnet 84 is a sophisticated exploration of praise, value, and the subtle flaws that can undermine even the most extraordinary individuals. While it initially appears to celebrate the subject's inherent worth, the poem ultimately reveals a more nuanced perspective, highlighting the potential dangers of vanity and the limitations of language in capturing true essence. Shakespeare skillfully employs imagery and shifts in tone to create a complex portrait of beauty and its inherent contradictions. The sonnet's ultimate message is a cautionary tale about the importance of self-awareness and the corrupting influence of excessive adulation.