William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 84 is a complex exploration of the nature of individuality, the role of praise, and the limitations of language in capturing true excellence. As part of the “Fair Youth” sequence, the sonnet wrestles with the paradox of celebrating someone so unique that mere praise might diminish their worth. The sonnet critiques over-praise and argues that true admiration lies in authentic representation, avoiding exaggeration. Through intricate poetic devices and a balanced structure, Shakespeare navigates these themes with both reverence and subtle irony.
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 84
Who is it that says most, which can say more
Than this rich praise, that you alone are you,
In whose confine immurèd is the store
Which should example where your equal grew?
Lean penury within that pen doth dwell
That to his subject lends not some small glory,
But he that writes of you, if he can tell
That you are you, so dignifies his story.
Let him but copy what in you is writ,
Not making worse what nature made so clear,
And such a counterpart shall fame his wit,
Making his style admirèd everywhere.
You to your beauteous blessings add a curse,
Being fond on praise, which makes your praises worse.
The Structure and Tone of Sonnet 84
The sonnet adheres to the traditional Shakespearean structure of three quatrains followed by a rhymed couplet, employing the ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme. This structure enables a progressive argument, with each quatrain building upon the preceding one, leading to a climactic resolution in the final couplet.
The tone of the poem is nuanced, combining admiration with critique. While the speaker venerates the subject’s uniqueness, there is an underlying caution against the dangers of excessive praise. The tone shifts from awe in the first quatrain to a reflective examination in the second and third, culminating in a bittersweet observation in the couplet. This duality reflects Shakespeare’s mastery in blending emotional depth with intellectual inquiry.
Analysis of Sonnet 84
Lines 1–4 The Paradox of Unparalleled Praise
“Who is it that says most, which can say more
Than this rich praise, that you alone are you,
In whose confine immurèd is the store
Which should example where your equal grew?”
The opening quatrain introduces the central paradox: how can words sufficiently praise someone whose essence defies comparison? The speaker asserts that the subject’s uniqueness is the highest form of praise. The phrase “you alone are you” encapsulates the idea that the subject’s individuality is beyond replication or embellishment. The metaphor of a “store” confined within the subject suggests an abundance of virtues so great that they could serve as a model for others, yet none have equaled it. Here, Shakespeare establishes the subject as a paragon of excellence, framing the challenge for poets attempting to encapsulate such singularity.
Lines 5–8: The Challenge and Dignity of Writing Truthfully
“Lean penury within that pen doth dwell
That to his subject lends not some small glory,
But he that writes of you, if he can tell
That you are you, so dignifies his story.”
In this quatrain, Shakespeare shifts focus to the poet’s responsibility. The phrase “lean penury” criticizes writers who fail to add even modest glory to their subjects. However, the speaker contends that merely stating the truth about the subject—“that you are you”—is sufficient to elevate a writer’s work. By dignifying the writer’s story, the subject’s inherent worth enhances the poet’s reputation. This interplay between the subject and the poet underscores the transformative power of authenticity in art.
Lines 9–12: The Mirror of Nature and Art
“Let him but copy what in you is writ,
Not making worse what nature made so clear,
And such a counterpart shall fame his wit,
Making his style admirèd everywhere.”
The third quatrain emphasizes the simplicity and power of truthful representation. Shakespeare suggests that poets need only “copy” what is already inherent in the subject, avoiding distortion or embellishment. The word “counterpart” implies a faithful reflection, akin to nature’s clarity. By doing so, the poet’s “wit” will achieve fame, and their style will gain universal admiration. This quatrain reinforces the theme of fidelity to nature as the highest poetic ideal, aligning with Renaissance humanist ideals that celebrated harmony between art and nature.
Lines 13–14: The Curse of Seeking Praise
“You to your beauteous blessings add a curse,
Being fond on praise, which makes your praises worse.”
The final couplet delivers a pointed critique. While the subject possesses “beauteous blessings,” their fondness for praise paradoxically diminishes their worth. This creates a tension between intrinsic value and external validation. Shakespeare’s use of the word “curse” suggests that this desire for praise tarnishes the purity of their uniqueness, making excessive admiration counterproductive. The couplet serves as a cautionary reflection on the pitfalls of vanity and the importance of authenticity in receiving admiration.
Conclusion
Sonnet 84 masterfully interrogates the complexities of praise, individuality, and artistic representation. Shakespeare employs a balanced structure and a tone that oscillates between reverence and critique to explore how the truth of the subject’s essence surpasses all poetic attempts to encapsulate it. By arguing that authentic reflection is the highest form of praise, Shakespeare not only elevates the subject but also issues a timeless reminder about the responsibilities of both poets and those who seek admiration. In doing so, Sonnet 84 becomes a meditation on the interplay between truth, beauty, and art, resonating across centuries as a testament to Shakespeare’s poetic genius.
