Sonnet 70 is one of Shakespeare’s later Fair Youth poems that grapples with the double-edged nature of beauty. The poet turns his attention to the young man’s appearance, considering not only admiration but also the envy and scorn it provokes. In this sonnet, Shakespeare explores the social consequences of being strikingly beautiful and the resilience required to maintain dignity in the face of criticism.
Rather than lamenting the youth’s vulnerability, the poem becomes a meditation on courage, integrity, and the paradoxical power of both admiration and disapproval.
The Poem (Sonnet 70)
That thou art blamed shall not be thy defect,
For slander’s mark was ever yet the fair;
The ornament of beauty is suspect,
A crow that flies in heaven’s sweetest air.
Yet do not so; but let your own eyes be
The judge of worth, and let the world debate;
And take thy praise with modesty and glee,
While others frown or envy at thy state.
The proud man’s fault is not in his allure,
But in the weakness of those who misread;
For he that’s fair must bear both fame and lure,
And bear it well, as virtue doth succeed.
In thee more life and majesty abide
Than envy, blame, or scorn could ever hide.
Beauty and Its Shadows
The sonnet opens with a paradox: the young man’s beauty attracts criticism, yet that criticism is itself a sign of worth. Shakespeare writes, “That thou art blamed shall not be thy defect, / For slander’s mark was ever yet the fair.” In this, beauty is inseparable from scrutiny. To be remarkable is to be noticed—and notice comes in many forms, some flattering, some hostile.
The imagery of a “crow that flies in heaven’s sweetest air” captures this duality. Even in the purest, most elevated beauty, there will be shadows—unexpected judgment, envy, and misunderstanding. Shakespeare reminds the youth that disapproval is not a personal failing, but a natural byproduct of being extraordinary.
The Strength in Endurance
Shakespeare’s focus then shifts to the youth’s response. He must navigate the praise and envy of the world with grace, letting his own judgment guide him: “let your own eyes be / The judge of worth, and let the world debate.” The poet emphasizes inner authority over public opinion, suggesting that dignity comes from understanding oneself rather than succumbing to slander or envy.
The sonnet positions courage and integrity as central virtues. Being fair, admired, or envied is inevitable; the challenge lies in bearing it well. Shakespeare implies that resilience in the face of judgment is a mark of true character, a lesson that extends beyond beauty into life itself.
The Paradox of Public Perception
In Sonnet 70, Shakespeare explores a subtle social paradox: the more extraordinary the young man, the more extreme reactions he provokes. Praise and blame are intertwined, admiration and scorn coexisting in every perception. Yet rather than lament this imbalance, the poet frames it as evidence of vitality: “In thee more life and majesty abide / Than envy, blame, or scorn could ever hide.”
Here, beauty is both blessing and burden. It commands attention, provokes debate, and tests character. Shakespeare’s narrative reminds the reader that excellence is inseparable from challenge, and the very forces that threaten the youth’s peace—envy, criticism, and slander—also attest to his distinction.
Themes of Sonnet 70
The poem engages with several interrelated themes. Beauty is a social force, capable of inspiring both admiration and jealousy. Criticism and envy are inevitable, yet they do not diminish the intrinsic value of the individual. Shakespeare elevates endurance, self-knowledge, and integrity as the proper response to external judgment.
The sonnet also explores the duality of perception: how society interprets merit through the lens of emotion—envy, awe, or desire—rather than objective truth. The youth’s task is not to control opinion, but to maintain composure and dignity amid it.
Tone and Mood
The tone is measured, instructive, and subtly reassuring. Shakespeare speaks with authority tempered by care, offering guidance without harshness. The mood balances contemplation and encouragement, reflecting both the social reality of admiration and the personal responsibility that comes with being remarkable.
Unlike sonnets focused on longing or rivalry, Sonnet 70 celebrates strength of character, emphasizing self-possession and moral courage. Its rhythm and imagery reinforce this calm, reflective wisdom, creating a sense of stability amid the turbulence of public scrutiny.
Conclusion: Endurance as Elegance
Sonnet 70 portrays beauty as both an asset and a challenge. Shakespeare reminds the young man—and the reader—that admiration inevitably provokes envy and criticism. True strength lies in responding with dignity, guided by one’s own judgment rather than public opinion.
The sonnet encourages resilience and integrity, showing that external judgment is no measure of worth. In navigating praise and blame with calm self-awareness, the young man embodies a rare combination of elegance and strength, one that no envy or slander can diminish.