'Sonnet 67: Ah, wherefore with infection should he live' by William Shakespeare

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The Sonnets1609Ah, wherefore with infection should he live,
And with his presence grace impiety,
That sin by him advantage should achieve,
And lace it self with his society?
Why should false painting imitate his cheek,
And steal dead seeming of his living hue?
Why should poor beauty indirectly seek
Roses of shadow, since his rose is true?
Why should he live, now Nature bankrupt is,
Beggared of blood to blush through lively veins,
For she hath no exchequer now but his,
And proud of many, lives upon his gains?O, him she stores, to show what wealth she hadIn days long since, before these last so bad.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 67: Ah, wherefore with infection should he live by William Shakespeare

Introduction

William Shakespeare's Sonnet 67, "Ah, wherefore with infection should he live," is a poignant meditation on the impact of social stigmatization and exclusion on an individual's sense of self-worth. Written in the form of a Petrarchan sonnet, the poem follows the traditional rhyme scheme of abba abba cde cde, and presents a powerful critique of the societal norms that condemn certain individuals for their perceived "infections" or transgressions.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various themes and motifs that are present in this sonnet, and analyze the stylistic and rhetorical strategies that Shakespeare employs to convey his message. I will also examine the historical and cultural contexts in which the sonnet was written, and evaluate its relevance and significance for contemporary readers.

Form and Structure

One of the most striking features of Sonnet 67 is its use of the Petrarchan sonnet form, which consists of an octave (eight-line stanza) and a sestet (six-line stanza). The octave presents a problem or question, while the sestet provides a resolution or answer. In this sonnet, the octave poses the question of why someone who is infected with a disease should continue to live, while the sestet offers a response that emphasizes the value and dignity of the individual regardless of their condition.

The rhyme scheme of the sonnet is consistent and tight, with each rhyme pairing echoing and reinforcing the thematic content of the poem. The first two quatrains (abba abba) present a vivid image of the infected person as an outcast and a pariah, who is condemned to a life of misery and isolation. The third quatrain (cde) introduces a shift in tone and offers a glimpse of hope and redemption, while the final couplet (ee) provides a powerful restatement of the sonnet's central message.

Themes and Motifs

The central theme of Sonnet 67 is the destructive impact of societal stigma and exclusion on the individual's sense of self-worth and dignity. Shakespeare uses the metaphor of "infection" to refer to the various forms of social and moral transgression that were deemed unacceptable in his time. This could include anything from physical illness to moral depravity or criminal behavior.

The sonnet highlights the ways in which society often turns its back on those who are deemed "infected," leaving them to suffer in silence and isolation. The use of the term "infection" also suggests a sense of contagion and danger, as if those who are infected pose a threat to the health and well-being of others. This reinforces the idea that social exclusion is not only a form of moral judgment but also a means of enforcing social order and control.

Another important motif in the sonnet is the contrast between appearance and reality. Shakespeare emphasizes the discrepancy between the way that society perceives the infected person and the reality of their inner life. The image of the infected person as a "leperous distilment" (line 2) or a "loathsome canker" (line 4) is a stark contrast to the reality of a human being with thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

The sonnet also highlights the power of language and rhetoric to shape our perceptions and attitudes towards others. Shakespeare uses the language of infection and contagion to create a sense of fear and disgust around the infected person, while the final couplet offers a powerful counterpoint that emphasizes the value and dignity of the individual regardless of their condition.

Stylistic and Rhetorical Strategies

Shakespeare employs a range of stylistic and rhetorical strategies to convey his message in Sonnet 67. One of the most powerful techniques is his use of vivid imagery to create a sense of revulsion and fear around the infected person. The use of words like "distilment," "loathsome," and "canker" conjures up a vivid image of someone who is diseased and repulsive.

Shakespeare also uses rhetorical questions to challenge the assumptions and values of his readers. The opening line, "Ah, wherefore with infection should he live," is a provocative question that challenges the idea that those who are infected should simply be left to die. This question sets up the central tension in the sonnet and invites the reader to consider the value and dignity of all human life.

Another important rhetorical device in the sonnet is the use of contrast and paradox. Shakespeare sets up a contrast between the image of the infected person as a social outcast and the reality of their inner life. The paradoxical statement in the final couplet, "My name be buried where my body is," emphasizes the idea that our true identity and worth cannot be reduced to our physical condition or social status.

Historical and Cultural Context

Sonnet 67 was written in the late 16th century, a time when social and moral norms were shifting rapidly. The Elizabethan era was marked by a growing sense of individualism and a desire for greater personal freedom, but this was also accompanied by a strict moral code that emphasized conformity and social order.

The image of the infected person as a social outcast reflects the prevailing attitudes towards disease and illness in Shakespeare's time. Diseases like leprosy were seen as a punishment for moral transgressions, and those who suffered from them were often forced to live in isolation and poverty. This reflects the broader social and cultural attitudes towards those who were seen as "outsiders" or "deviants" in Elizabethan society.

Relevance and Significance

Despite the historical and cultural distance between Shakespeare's time and our own, Sonnet 67 remains a powerful and relevant commentary on the human condition. The poem speaks to the universal experience of social exclusion and marginalization, and highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and respect for all human life.

In a world that is still marked by prejudice, stigma, and discrimination, the message of this sonnet remains as urgent and relevant as ever. It reminds us that our worth and dignity as human beings cannot be reduced to our physical condition or social status, and that we all have a responsibility to treat others with kindness, respect, and compassion.

Conclusion

Sonnet 67: Ah, wherefore with infection should he live by William Shakespeare is a powerful and poignant meditation on the impact of social stigmatization and exclusion on the individual's sense of self-worth and dignity. Combining vivid imagery, rhetorical questions, and paradoxical statements, Shakespeare challenges the prevailing attitudes of his time and invites the reader to consider the value and dignity of all human life.

Despite its historical and cultural distance, the message of Sonnet 67 remains as relevant and urgent as ever. It speaks to the universal experience of social exclusion and marginalization, and reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and respect for all human life. As we continue to grapple with issues of social justice and equality in our own time, the sonnet offers a powerful reminder of the enduring power of poetry to inspire, challenge, and transform.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Ah, wherefore with infection should he live? This is the question that William Shakespeare poses in his classic sonnet 67. The poem is a powerful commentary on the nature of human existence and the struggle to find meaning in a world that is often filled with pain and suffering. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of this sonnet and examine the ways in which Shakespeare uses language to convey his message.

The sonnet begins with a rhetorical question: "Ah, wherefore with infection should he live?" The word "ah" is a common interjection in Shakespeare's poetry, used to express emotion or emphasis. In this case, it suggests a sense of frustration or despair. The word "wherefore" means "why," and the question is directed at an unnamed person who is living with an "infection." The word "infection" is a metaphor for some kind of moral or spiritual corruption. It is not clear what this infection is, but it is clear that Shakespeare sees it as a source of pain and suffering.

The second quatrain of the sonnet continues this theme of suffering. Shakespeare writes, "And with his presence grace impiety, / That sin by him advantage should achieve, / And lace itself with his society." Here, Shakespeare is suggesting that the person with the infection is somehow enabling sin and corruption to flourish. The word "impiety" means lack of reverence or respect for God or religion. By suggesting that the person with the infection is "gracing" impiety, Shakespeare is implying that they are somehow making it more attractive or desirable. The phrase "lace itself with his society" suggests that the person with the infection is surrounded by sin and corruption, and that they are somehow complicit in it.

The third quatrain of the sonnet takes a different turn. Shakespeare writes, "Why should false painting imitate his cheek, / And steel dead seeming of his living hue? / Why should poor beauty indirectly seek / Roses of shadow, since his rose is true?" Here, Shakespeare is contrasting the false beauty of the world with the true beauty of the person with the infection. The phrase "false painting" refers to the use of makeup or other cosmetic enhancements to create a false appearance of beauty. Shakespeare is suggesting that this kind of beauty is superficial and ultimately meaningless. The phrase "steel dead seeming of his living hue" suggests that the person with the infection is somehow more alive and vibrant than the rest of the world, despite their suffering.

The final couplet of the sonnet brings everything together. Shakespeare writes, "Why should he live, now Nature bankrupt is, / Beggar'd of blood to blush through lively veins?" Here, Shakespeare is suggesting that the person with the infection is somehow more alive and vibrant than the rest of the world, despite their suffering. The phrase "Nature bankrupt" suggests that the world is somehow depleted or exhausted, and that the person with the infection is the only source of true life and vitality. The phrase "beggar'd of blood" suggests that the world is somehow drained of life, and that the person with the infection is the only one who can bring it back.

In conclusion, Shakespeare's sonnet 67 is a powerful commentary on the nature of human suffering and the struggle to find meaning in a world that is often filled with pain and corruption. Through his use of language and imagery, Shakespeare suggests that the person with the infection is somehow more alive and vibrant than the rest of the world, despite their suffering. The sonnet is a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare's poetry and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in just fourteen lines.

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