Poem Analysis - Sonnet 94 They That Have Power To Hurt And Will Do None

Overview of Restraint and Corruption

Shakespeare's Sonnet 94, "They That Have Power To Hurt And Will Do None," presents a complex meditation on power, self-control, and the potential for corruption. Initially, the poem seems to praise those who possess power but choose restraint, portraying them as virtuous and almost divine. However, a shift occurs in the latter half, warning of the devastating consequences when such seemingly pure individuals succumb to vice. The tone transitions from admiration to a stark warning, highlighting the heightened ugliness of corruption in those perceived as superior.

The Allure of Self-Control and Divine Inheritance

One of the central themes explored in Sonnet 94 is the ideal of self-control and its connection to a kind of "divine inheritance." The opening lines establish the apparent virtue of those who "have power to hurt and will do none." This restraint is not merely a lack of action, but a conscious choice, elevating them above base desires. They are described as "unmovèd, cold, and to temptation slow," suggesting an almost superhuman capacity to resist impulses. This self-mastery leads to the idea that "They rightly do inherit heaven’s graces," implying that such individuals are blessed with a special connection to the divine due to their virtue.

Nature's Stewardship and the Illusion of Excellence

The poem also examines the concept of stewardship, particularly in relation to "nature's riches." Those who practice self-control are depicted as "lords and owners of their faces," possessing a genuine ownership of their excellence. In contrast, others are merely "stewards," suggesting a borrowed or superficial display of virtue. This distinction underscores the idea that true excellence stems from inner control and inherent goodness, rather than outward appearances or inherited traits. The poem suggests that those who merely manage excellence are more susceptible to corruption, as their virtue is not deeply rooted.

The Corrupting Influence: From Lily to Festering Weed

The most striking image in the poem is the contrast between the "summer's flower" and the "basest weed." Initially, the summer flower, sweet yet self-contained, represents the virtuous individual who lives in relative isolation, untouched by corruption. However, the volta of the poem occurs when the flower meets "base infection." The shift is drastic: "if that flower with base infection meet, / The basest weed outbraves his dignity." This vivid image underscores the catastrophic consequences of corruption in those who were once considered pure. The concluding lines, "For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds; / Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds," reinforces the idea that the fall from grace is particularly repulsive, suggesting that goodness, once tainted, becomes exceptionally foul. The "lilies that fester" become a powerful symbol of corrupted purity, implying that those who are perceived as inherently good have a greater capacity for profound evil when they succumb to vice.

A Legacy of Caution

In conclusion, Sonnet 94 is a powerful exploration of the nature of power, the importance of self-control, and the devastating consequences of corruption. While the poem initially praises those who possess power but choose restraint, it ultimately serves as a cautionary tale. The striking imagery of the festering lily emphasizes the idea that the corruption of the seemingly virtuous is particularly abhorrent, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. The poem's complex tone, shifting from admiration to warning, leaves us contemplating the true nature of virtue and the fragility of even the most seemingly unblemished individuals.