Poem Analysis - Sonnet 96 Some Say Thy Fault Is Youth Some Wantonness

An Apology Disguised as Praise

Shakespeare's Sonnet 96 presents a complex portrait of a beloved individual whose flaws, particularly those associated with youth and potentially irresponsible behavior, are excused and even transformed into virtues by the speaker's infatuated gaze. The poem navigates a delicate balance between acknowledging imperfections and celebrating the irresistible charm of the object of affection. The tone begins with a seemingly objective acknowledgment of perceived faults but quickly shifts towards justification and ultimately, possessive adoration. This transformation underscores the speaker's biased perspective, where love colors judgment.

Love Transforms Faults into Virtues

One of the central themes of Sonnet 96 is the power of love to alter perception. The opening lines acknowledge that some criticize the beloved for "youth" and "wantonness," suggesting impulsivity and recklessness. However, the speaker counters this by stating that "both grace and faults are loved of more and less," indicating that even the perceived flaws contribute to the overall appeal. The subsequent lines cement this theme, claiming that the beloved possesses the ability to turn "faults graces that to thee resort." This transformation highlights the subjective nature of beauty and value, shaped by the lens of love. The poem demonstrates that love doesn’t necessarily blind one to imperfections but instead reframes them as integral parts of what makes the individual captivating.

The Image of Elevated Imperfection

A key image that reinforces the theme of transformed faults is the comparison to a "basest jewel" on the finger of a queen. This simile suggests that even something inherently common or flawed becomes highly esteemed when associated with royalty and power. The "basest jewel" represents the beloved's imperfections, while the "thronèd queen" symbolizes the elevated status conferred by the speaker's love (and perhaps also the beloved's inherent allure). The image implies that the beloved's flaws are not only tolerated but also enhanced by their connection to his overall charisma and the speaker's affection. It creates a sense that the imperfections, in fact, add to the uniqueness and value, rather than detracting from it.

Wolf in Lamb's Clothing: A Warning and a Compliment

Shakespeare employs the symbolic imagery of a wolf disguised as a lamb to highlight the beloved's potential for deception. The lines "How many lambs might the stern wolf betray, / If like a lamb he could his looks translate!" suggest that the beloved could easily manipulate and deceive others if he chose to. This image serves as a warning about the power of appearances and the potential for danger lurking beneath a charming façade. However, it also functions as a backhanded compliment, implying that the beloved possesses a captivating allure and strength ("the strength of all thy state") that could be used for manipulative purposes. The speaker implicitly acknowledges the beloved's potential for negative behavior, further emphasizing the intensity of the speaker's love despite this awareness.

Possessive Love and Reputation

The sonnet concludes with a declaration of possessive love: "But do not so; I love thee in such sort / As thou being mine, mine is thy good report." This final couplet reveals the speaker's motivation for defending and justifying the beloved's flaws. The speaker loves the beloved so deeply that their reputation becomes intertwined. The phrase "thou being mine" suggests a desire for ownership and control. The speaker's concern is not necessarily for the beloved's well-being, but rather for how the beloved's actions reflect upon the speaker. This possessiveness adds a layer of complexity to the poem, raising questions about the nature of the speaker's love and its potential for self-serving motives. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader pondering the true nature of love: is it truly unconditional, or is it always filtered through the lens of self-interest and personal reputation?