Shakespeare's Sonnets, Sonnet 95 summary
Sonnet 95 of 154 · 1 min to read the scene
In Sonnet 95, the speaker describes how the addressed person's beauty makes shame attractive and turns reports of sexual misconduct into praise. The poem moves from describing this protection to warning that such privilege needs care, since misuse can blunt even the strongest instrument.
What happens
- The speaker compares shame within a growing reputation to a worm damaging a fragrant rose.
- People reporting the addressed person's sexual adventures end up mixing criticism with praise.
- The speaker pictures vices living inside a splendid home, where beauty hides every stain.
- The speaker ends by warning that misuse dulls even a hard knife.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Shakespeare's Sonnets, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
In this scene
What to notice
The final image turns admiration into caution. Beauty provides protection, but the speaker warns against treating that advantage as inexhaustible.
Quick check
What does the speaker say beauty does to the addressed person's faults?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Shakespeare's Sonnets, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
