'Sonnet 127: In the old age black was not counted fair' by William Shakespeare
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In the old age black was not counted fair,
Or if it were, it bore not beauty's name;
But now is black beauty's successive heir,
And beauty slandered with a bastard shame.
For since each hand hath put on nature's power,
Fairing the foul with art's false borrowed face,
Sweet beauty hath no name no holy bower,
But is profaned, if not lives in disgrace.
Therefore my mistress' eyes are raven black,
Her eyes so suited, and they mourners seem,
At such who, not born fair no beauty lack,
Sland'ring creation with a false esteem.
Yet so they mourn, becoming of their woe,
That every tongue says beauty should look so.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 127: In the old age black was not counted fair by William Shakespeare
Have you ever wondered about the significance of colors in literature? How they can symbolize emotions, ideas, or even societal norms? Well, in Sonnet 127, Shakespeare delves into the topic of colorism, particularly the preference for fair skin in his time.
The first line of the sonnet, "In the old age black was not counted fair," immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of "old age" suggests that this societal norm is outdated and belongs to a time that has passed. However, the fact that it was once acceptable highlights the reality of colorism in Shakespeare's time.
Furthermore, the use of "black" as the opposite of fair is significant. It not only refers to the color of skin but also carries connotations of negativity and darkness. This implies that those who were not fair-skinned were perceived as inferior or even evil.
The second line, "Or if it were, it bore not beauty's name," reinforces this notion that fair skin was equated with beauty. This idea is still prevalent in many cultures today, where skin-whitening products are widely used and fair-skinned individuals are often favored in the entertainment industry.
The third and fourth lines, "But now is black beauty's successive heir/ And beauty slandered with a bastard shame," show a shift in the societal norm. It seems that black beauty is now succeeding fair beauty, suggesting a change in perception. However, the use of "bastard shame" implies that this shift is not wholly accepted, and there is still stigma attached to it.
The fifth and sixth lines, "For since each hand hath put on nature's power/ Fairing the foul with art's false borrowed face," further explore the idea of beauty standards and the use of makeup to alter one's appearance. The word "fairing" means to make fair or beautiful, and the use of "false borrowed face" suggests that this beauty is not natural but a facade.
The seventh and eighth lines, "Sweet beauty hath no name no holy bower/ But is profaned if not lives in disgrace," show the consequences of beauty standards. If one does not meet these standards, they are seen as profane or disgraceful. This highlights the pressure that individuals face to conform to societal norms and the negative impact it can have on their self-esteem.
The final two lines, "Therefore, my mistress' eyes are raven black/ Her eyes so suited, and they mourners seem," bring the sonnet to a close. The use of "therefore" suggests that the previous lines have led up to this point. The speaker's mistress has black eyes, which were once seen as negative, but are now suited to beauty. The use of "mourners" suggests that the mistress may have experienced ridicule or shame for her appearance, but the speaker sees her as beautiful nonetheless.
In conclusion, Sonnet 127 sheds light on the issue of colorism in Shakespeare's time and its impact on beauty standards. It shows the evolution of societal norms and the pressure individuals face to conform to them. The use of language and imagery highlights the negative impact of beauty standards on individuals and the need for a shift in societal norms. Shakespeare's exploration of this topic is particularly relevant today, where the beauty industry continues to perpetuate negative beauty standards.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 127: In the old age black was not counted fair, written by William Shakespeare, is a classic poem that explores the concept of beauty and how it has evolved over time. This sonnet is part of Shakespeare's larger collection of 154 sonnets, which are considered some of the most beautiful and profound poems in the English language.
The poem begins with the line "In the old age black was not counted fair," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the sonnet. Shakespeare is referring to a time in the past when black was not considered beautiful or desirable. This is a reference to the Elizabethan era, when fair skin was considered the epitome of beauty and black skin was associated with negative connotations such as evil and sin.
Shakespeare goes on to describe how beauty has changed over time, stating that "Or if it were, it bore not beauty's name." This line suggests that even if black was considered beautiful in the past, it was not recognized as such. This is a commentary on how societal norms and values can shape our perceptions of beauty.
The second quatrain of the sonnet continues this theme, with Shakespeare describing how beauty is now "black and loving bred." This line is a reference to the changing attitudes towards blackness and how it is now seen as beautiful and desirable. This is a reflection of the changing social and cultural attitudes towards race and ethnicity.
Shakespeare then goes on to describe how beauty is now "fairer than fair." This line is a commentary on how beauty has evolved to include a wider range of physical features and characteristics. It suggests that beauty is no longer limited to fair skin and other traditional markers of beauty, but can be found in a variety of different forms.
The final couplet of the sonnet brings the poem to a close, with Shakespeare stating that "Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising, Haply I think on thee, and then my state, Like to the lark at break of day arising, From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate." This final stanza is a reflection on the power of love and how it can transcend societal norms and expectations. It suggests that even though Shakespeare may have despised the changing attitudes towards beauty, his love for someone has allowed him to see the beauty in all things.
Overall, Sonnet 127 is a powerful commentary on the changing attitudes towards beauty and how they have evolved over time. It is a reflection on how societal norms and values can shape our perceptions of beauty, and how love can transcend these norms and allow us to see the beauty in all things. Shakespeare's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the sonnet remains a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
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