Sonnet 70: That Thou Art Blamed Shall Not Be Thy Defect
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.
So thou be good, slander doth but approve
Thy worth the greater, being woo’d of time;
For canker vice the sweetest buds doth love,
And thou present’st a pure unstained prime.
Thou hast passed by the ambush of young days,
Either not assailed or victor being charged;
Yet this thy praise cannot be so thy praise,
To tie up envy evermore enlarged:
If some suspect of ill mask’d not thy show,
Then thou alone kingdoms of hearts shouldst owe.
Summary of Sonnet 70
- Central Idea: Shakespeare reminds the reader that criticism and blame are often unfair. The poem encourages us to keep our confidence intact, refusing to let false accusations erode self‑worth.
- Structure as Message: The sonnet is built of three quatrains that explore different angles on blame: its harmful nature, the possibility that it is misplaced, and how it reflects the critic’s own faults. The closing couplet offers a personal resolution—maintain self‑confidence in spite of criticism.
- Key Themes: The poem highlights the power of words, the importance of self‑esteem, and the way language can shape perception. It shows that true worth is not measured by others’ harsh judgments.
Detailed Analysis and Interpretation
The sonnet unfolds a clear argument: blame should not be taken as a flaw in the person who is blamed. Each stanza contributes to this central message.
First Quatrain – The Weight of Blame
- Lines 1–4: The speaker opens by declaring that being blamed does not make one defective. He contrasts “slander” with the idea of beauty, suggesting that criticism can be seen as fair or unfair.
- The image of a crow in heaven (line 4) serves as a paradox: something traditionally negative appears in a beautiful setting, hinting that even perceived faults may have hidden value.
Second Quatrain – The Power of Time and Praise
- Lines 5–8: Here the speaker argues that time can “woo” or win over those who are criticized. Good qualities grow stronger as they endure, while vice (canker) attracts only the sweetest buds.
- The phrase “pure unstained prime” (line 8) reinforces the idea that true worth remains untainted by external judgment.
Third Quatrain – The Reality of Praise and Envy
- Lines 9–12: The speaker acknowledges that praise can be misleading. Praise may mask envy or false admiration, so it should not be accepted at face value.
- The line “If some suspect of ill mask’d not thy show” (line 13) warns that those who doubt the subject’s integrity are themselves hiding their own flaws.
Final Couplet – The Ultimate Claim to Self‑Worth
- Lines 13–14: The poem concludes with a bold assertion: the speaker alone deserves the admiration of hearts. This final claim restores confidence and reclaims agency over one’s reputation.
Literary Devices That Strengthen the Message
- metaphor: “A crow that flies in heaven’s sweetest air” compares a traditionally negative bird to beauty, showing how criticism can be reframed.
- personification: Time is described as capable of wooing, giving it human agency and suggesting that patience can transform perception.
- alliteration & Consonance: Repeated sounds in lines 9–13 create musicality that reinforces the poem’s contemplative tone.
- rhyme scheme: The ABAB CDCD EFEF GG pattern gives the sonnet a balanced, orderly feel, mirroring the logical argument presented.
- Iambic Pentameter: The regular meter supports the steady flow of reasoning, allowing readers to follow the progression from accusation to affirmation.
How Each Part Contributes to the Central Message
- The opening quatrain sets up the problem: blame can be damaging but is not a true defect.
- The second quatrain offers hope, showing that time and genuine qualities can counteract criticism.
- The third quatrain warns against accepting praise at face value, reminding readers to look beyond surface judgments.
- The closing couplet delivers the resolution: self‑worth is affirmed regardless of external blame.
Quote for Reflection
That thou art blamed shall not be thy defect,
For slander’s mark was ever yet the fair.
This line can serve as a gentle reminder that false accusations do not define who we truly are.