Summary of Sonnet 121 by William Shakespeare
The speaker declares that it is better to be truly wicked than to be wrongly considered wicked. This is especially true when one's good intentions are misjudged by others. The speaker feels that genuine joy is lost when it is judged by external perceptions, not by personal feelings. He questions why others' dishonest and corrupt viewpoints should influence his lively nature. He also wonders why weaker individuals act as spies, scrutinising his weaknesses. These individuals often deem as bad what the speaker considers good.
The speaker firmly asserts his true identity: "No, I am that I am". Those who criticise his faults are, in fact, revealing their own imperfections. They should recognise their own shortcomings. He suggests that he might be morally upright even if his accusers are crooked in their own conduct. His actions should not be interpreted through their depraved thoughts. Their judgement is distorted by their own corrupt minds.The speaker implies that if everyone maintains a belief that all people are inherently bad, then badness will prevail universally. This general evil would then dominate society.
He argues against being defined by the false perceptions of others. The poem defends the speaker's right to live authentically. It challenges the hypocrisy of those who judge others while being flawed themselves. Ultimately, the sonnet is a powerful statement on self-acceptance and the rejection of external, often biased, judgement. It emphasises the importance of internal integrity over public reputation.
Multiple Choice Questions and Answers from Sonnet 121
1. What does the speaker prefer according to the first line of the sonnet?
(A) To be esteemed highly by others
(B) To be truly vile rather than falsely accused of vileness
(C) To avoid all forms of vileness
(D) To be judged by his feelings
Answer: (B)
2. What is lost when pleasure is "so deemed" by others' seeing?
(A) Their reputation
(B) The just pleasure itself
(C) The ability to see
(D) Others' feelings
Answer: (B)
3. What does the phrase "false adulterate eyes" refer to?
(A) Eyes that are literally impure
(B) Eyes that are deceitful and corrupt in judgment
(C) Eyes that are weakened by age
(D) Eyes that admire beauty
Answer: (B)
4. What does the speaker's "sportive blood" represent?
(A) His violent tendencies
(B) His lively and cheerful nature
(C) His athletic prowess
(D) His family lineage
Answer: (B)
5. Who are the "frailer spies" mentioned in the poem?
(A) Secret agents
(B) Individuals who are morally weaker but scrutinize others
(C) People who are physically frail
(D) Friends who offer advice
Answer: (B)
6. What do these "frailer spies" count as bad?
(A) What the speaker thinks is good
(B) What the speaker thinks is bad
(C) Their own actions
(D) Everyone's actions
Answer: (A)
7. What is the significant statement the speaker makes about his identity?
(A) "I am what I seem"
(B) "No, I am that I am"
(C) "I am changing constantly"
(D) "I am defined by others"
Answer: (B)
8. What does the speaker imply about those who "level / At my abuses"?
(A) They are perfect
(B) They are rectifying their own mistakes
(C) They are reckoning up their own abuses
(D) They are seeking justice
Answer: (C)
9. What is the meaning of "I may be straight though they themselves be bevel"?
(A) The speaker is physically straight while others are crooked.
(B) The speaker is morally upright, while others are dishonest or askew.
(C) The speaker is direct, and others are indirect.
(D) The speaker is a tailor, and others are carpenters.
Answer: (B)
10. How does the speaker believe his deeds should NOT be shown?
(A) By his own thoughts
(B) By their rank thoughts
(C) By public opinion
(D) By legal judgement
Answer: (B)
11. What is the "general evil" that "they maintain"?
(A) That all men are inherently bad
(B) That the speaker is bad
(C) That spying is good
(D) That honesty is rare
Answer: (A)
12. What is the ultimate consequence if this "general evil" is maintained?
(A) All men will become good.
(B) Badness will reign.
(C) Justice will prevail.
(D) Society will improve.
Answer: (B)
13. What is the primary theme of Sonnet 121?
(A) The beauty of nature
(B) The pain of lost love
(C) The importance of self-integrity against false judgement
(D) The joy of true friendship
Answer: (C)
14. Which literary device is evident in the line "'Tis better to be vile than vile esteemed"?
(A) Metaphor
(B) Paradox
(C) Simile
(D) Alliteration
Answer: (B)
15. What is the tone of the speaker in the lines "No, I am that I am"?
(A) Apologetic
(B) Defiant
(C) Indifferent
(D) Questioning
Answer: (B)
16. The poem primarily focuses on the conflict between:
(A) Love and hate
(B) Internal truth and external perception
(C) Wealth and poverty
(D) Youth and old age
Answer: (B)
17. What type of sonnet is Sonnet 121 based on its structure and author?
(A) Petrarchan
(B) Spenserian
(C) Shakespearean
(D) Miltonic
Answer: (C)
18. The speaker’s argument suggests a critique of:
(A) His own actions
(B) Social hypocrisy and judgemental attitudes
(C) The political system
(D) Religious beliefs
Answer: (B)
19. What does the speaker mean by "receives reproach of being" when "not to be"?
(A) He is praised for not existing.
(B) He is criticised for something he isn't.
(C) He is blamed for being alive.
(D) He receives compliments for his true self.
Answer: (B)
20. The poem implies that external judgment can lead to the loss of:
(A) Wealth
(B) Social status
(C) "Just pleasure"
(D) Physical health
Answer: (C)
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