Poem Analysis - Sonnet 91 Some Glory In Their Birth Some In Their Skill

Introduction: A Celebration of Love's Supremacy

Shakespeare's Sonnet 91 is a powerful declaration of love's immeasurable value, contrasting it with the superficial sources of pride and joy embraced by others. The poem establishes a clear hierarchy, placing love above status, wealth, and physical prowess. While largely celebratory and confident in tone, a subtle undercurrent of anxiety emerges towards the end, hinting at the vulnerability inherent in such complete dependence on another person's affection. This shift in mood adds depth and complexity to what initially appears as a straightforward expression of devotion.

The Overruling Power of Love

The central theme of Sonnet 91 is undoubtedly the supreme value of love. Shakespeare meticulously dismantles the worth of worldly possessions and social status. He lists things people "glory in"—birth, skill, wealth, strength, fashionable clothes, and sporting animals—but dismisses them as "particulars" that don't measure up to his own standard. Love, in this context, becomes the ultimate currency, eclipsing all other forms of achievement and happiness. "Thy love," he proclaims, "is better than high birth to me, / Richer than wealth, prouder than garments' costs." This direct comparison elevates love to a position of unparalleled importance.

Pride and Boasting: A Love-Fueled Ego

Linked to the theme of love is the idea of pride and boasting, but with a crucial difference. While others derive pride from external achievements, the speaker's pride stems directly from his beloved. He doesn't boast of his own accomplishments; instead, he declares, "And having thee, of all men’s pride I boast." This is a radical shift. The speaker's ego is entirely bound to the love he receives, suggesting a deep, perhaps even unsettling, dependence. The source of his pride is not intrinsic but relational, making him incredibly vulnerable.

The Insecurity of Unconditional Dependence

The final couplet introduces a significant element of anxiety and vulnerability, tempering the otherwise confident tone. The speaker acknowledges that the source of his joy and pride is also the source of his potential ruin. "Wretched in this alone," he confesses, "that thou mayst take, / All this away and me most wretched make." This abrupt shift highlights the precariousness of his happiness. By placing his entire sense of worth in his beloved's hands, he exposes himself to the possibility of utter devastation if that love were to be withdrawn. This vulnerability humanizes the speaker and adds a layer of complexity to the poem's overall message. It also introduces a subtle fear of loss, a common theme in Shakespearean sonnets, suggesting the love is neither constant or guaranteed.

Imagery of Hierarchy and Deprivation

The poem uses imagery to establish a clear hierarchy of values. The list of things people "glory in" creates a vivid picture of aristocratic life, complete with hawks, hounds, and horses. This imagery represents the superficiality of societal values, which Shakespeare contrasts with the genuine depth of love. The final image – the threat of love being "taken away" – evokes a feeling of complete deprivation, emphasizing the utter dependence of the speaker on his beloved's affection. The open ended nature of the ending encourages the reader to think about the nature of love and its impact on self-worth.

Conclusion: A Love Fraught with Vulnerability

In conclusion, Sonnet 91 is a powerful testament to the transformative power of love. It elevates love above all other sources of pride and joy, portraying it as the ultimate measure of human worth. However, the poem also acknowledges the inherent vulnerability that comes with such complete dependence. The final couplet serves as a stark reminder that love, while capable of bringing unparalleled happiness, also carries the potential for devastating loss, leaving the speaker exposed and "wretched." This complex interplay of love, pride, and vulnerability gives the sonnet its enduring resonance.