“Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare

Published in 1609, “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare belongs to the renowned collection known as the “Shakespearean Sonnets.” This sequence of 154 sonnets encompasses a rich tapestry of themes, including love’s complexities, the sting of loss, fleeting beauty, the inevitability of mortality, and the relentless passage of time. Sonnet 139 specifically delves into the depths of a passionate yet emotionally fraught relationship. The speaker, wrestling with the betrayal of a loved one, employs direct and almost accusatory language, conveying a palpable sense of frustration. The poem’s adherence to the traditional English or Shakespearean sonnet form, characterized by its three quatrains and a concluding couplet, offers a sense of structure and control that stands in stark contrast to the speaker’s internal turmoil.

Text: “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare

Annotations: “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare  

Line	Text	Annotation
1	O, call not me to justify the wrong	The speaker implores the beloved not to ask for explanations or justifications for the wrongs inflicted by the beloved’s unkindness.
2	That thy unkindness lays upon my heart;	The speaker describes how the unkindness of the beloved causes pain and distress in their heart.
3	Wound me not with thine eye but with thy tongue;	Instead of inflicting harm through mere looks, the speaker urges the beloved to speak openly and honestly about their feelings and actions.
4	Use power with power, and slay me not by art.	The speaker suggests that if the beloved possesses power or authority, they should use it directly rather than employing cunning or deceit.
5	Tell me thou lov’st elsewhere; but in my sight,	The speaker requests the beloved to confess if they love someone else, but to refrain from doing so in their presence, out of consideration.
6	Dear heart, forbear to glance thine eye aside;	The speaker addresses the beloved affectionately, asking them not to look away or avoid the truth when speaking about their feelings.
7	What need’st thou wound with cunning when thy might	Why do you need to hurt me with deceitful actions when you have the power to affect me directly and honestly?
8	Is more than my o’erpressed defense can bide?	The speaker acknowledges their vulnerability and inability to withstand the onslaught of the beloved’s power and actions.
9	Let me excuse thee: ah, my love well knows	The speaker offers to forgive or excuse the beloved for their actions, recognizing that the beloved is aware of their own attractiveness.
10	Her pretty looks have been mine enemies;	The speaker personifies the beloved’s attractive appearance as an adversary that causes jealousy and insecurity.
11	And therefore from my face she turns my foes,	Because of the threat posed by the speaker’s jealous feelings, the beloved averts their gaze from the speaker to prevent further conflict.
12	That they elsewhere might dart their injuries—	The beloved avoids looking at the speaker so that the jealousy and insecurity of the speaker might be directed elsewhere, sparing the speaker.
13	Yet do not so; but since I am near slain,	Despite the speaker’s understanding, they still suffer greatly from the beloved’s actions, feeling emotionally wounded and close to defeat.
14	Kill me outright with looks and rid my pain.	The speaker expresses a desire for the beloved to directly confront them with the truth, even if it causes immense emotional pain, to end it.

Literary and Poetic Devices: “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare  

Literary Device	Short Definition	Explanation in Sonnet 139
Apostrophe	Addressing a person or thing not physically present	“O, call not me…” (Line 1)
Metaphor	Comparing two things without using “like” or “as”	* “Thy unkindness lays upon my heart” (Line 1): Unkindness is compared to a burden placed on the heart. * “Pretty looks…have been mine enemies” (Line 11): Looks are compared to enemies.
Metonymy	Substituting something associated with a thing for the thing itself	“Use power with power” (Line 3): Power is used instead of a person with power.
Personification	Giving human qualities to non-human things	“Thy unkindness lays upon my heart” (Line 1): Unkindness is given the ability to act.
Hyperbole	Exaggeration for emphasis	“Wound me not…slay me not” (Lines 2, 3): The speaker exaggerates the effect of the beloved’s actions.
Litotes	Understatement to suggest the opposite	“O’erpressed defense” (Line 7): This implies the defense is very weak.
Euphemism	Mild or indirect expression for something harsh	“Excuse thee” (Line 8): This softens the blame for the beloved’s infidelity.
Anaphora	Repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of lines	“Wound me not… Use power with power…” (Lines 2-3)
Antithesis	Contrast between opposing ideas	“Wound me not with thine eye but with thy tongue” (Line 2)
Parallelism	Similar grammatical structure in successive phrases or clauses	* “Wound me not with thine eye but with thy tongue…Tell me thou lov’st elsewhere” (Lines 2-3) * “What need’st thou wound with cunning when thy might… Is more than my o’erpressed defense can bide?” (Lines 7-8)
Caesura	A pause in the middle of a line	“Wound me not with thine eye but with thy tongue” (Line 2)
Enjambment	Running over of a sentence from one line to the next	“Let me excuse thee: ah, my love well knows * Her pretty looks…” (Lines 8-9)
Assonance	Repetition of vowel sounds	* “Wound me not with thine eye…” (Line 2) * “Dear heart, forbear to glance thine eye aside” (Line 5)
Consonance	Repetition of consonant sounds	“Tell me thou lov’st elsewhere; but in my sight…” (Line 4)
Syllepsis	A single word modifying two things in grammatically different ways	“Wound me not with thine eye but with thy tongue” (Line 2): “Wound” modifies both “eye” and “tongue” in different ways.
Iambic Pentameter	Meter with five pairs of syllables (unstressed/stressed) per line	This is the sonnet’s overall meter.
Elizabethan Sonnet	Specific rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG)	This sonnet follows the Shakespearean or Elizabethan sonnet form.
Volta	The “turn” of the poem, often around the ninth line	“Yet do not so…” (Line 13): The speaker changes his mind about wanting honesty.
Pathetic Fallacy	Attributing human emotions or characteristics to nature	It’s not explicitly used in this sonnet, but it’s a common device in Shakespeare’s work.

Themes: “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare  

Literary Theories and “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare  

Literary Theory	Explanation	Example from “Sonnet 139”
New Criticism	Focuses on the text itself, emphasizing close reading and interpretation of the work’s form, structure, and language.	“O, call not me to justify the wrong, That thy unkindness lays upon my heart” – This line emphasizes the speaker’s plea not to be called upon to justify the wrongs inflicted upon him.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Analyzes the characters, symbols, and themes of a work to explore the unconscious desires, fears, and motivations of the author and characters.	“I do forgive thy robbery, gentle thief, Although thou steal thee all my poverty” – This line suggests a complex relationship between forgiveness and victimization, possibly reflecting deeper psychological conflicts within the speaker.
Feminist Criticism	Examines how gender roles, power dynamics, and societal expectations influence literature.	“No, let my heart be by thyself so crost” – This line reflects the speaker’s desire for autonomy and independence from the demands and judgments of the beloved, which can be interpreted in the context of gender dynamics.
Marxist Criticism	Investigates how class, economics, and social structures influence literature, emphasizing the representation of class struggle and oppression.	“No, let my heart be by thyself so crost, And lose not good advantage of his death” – This line may reflect the tension between individual desire and societal pressures, suggesting a struggle against the constraints of class and social expectations.
Deconstructionism	Focuses on the instability of meaning and the ways in which language can contradict itself, often highlighting paradoxes and contradictions within a text.	“In loving thee thou know’st I am forsworn, But thou art twice forsworn, to me love swearing” – This line illustrates the paradoxical nature of love and commitment, highlighting the contradictions inherent in the speaker’s relationship.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements: “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare  

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
1. Love and Betrayal	How does the speaker’s portrayal of love and betrayal evolve throughout the sonnet?	In “Sonnet 139,” Shakespeare explores the complex interplay between love and betrayal, depicting a speaker who grapples with the conflicting emotions of forgiveness and resentment towards their beloved, ultimately highlighting the enduring pain caused by betrayal in romantic relationships.
2. Power Dynamics	What power dynamics are at play between the speaker and the beloved in “Sonnet 139”?	“Sonnet 139” delves into the power dynamics within the relationship, revealing a struggle for agency and autonomy as the speaker asserts their independence from the demands and judgments of the beloved, ultimately challenging traditional gender roles and expectations.
3. Self-Justification	How does the speaker justify their actions and feelings throughout the sonnet?	Through “Sonnet 139,” Shakespeare explores the theme of self-justification, as the speaker wrestles with the internal conflict between forgiveness and resentment, ultimately revealing the complexities of human nature and the strategies individuals employ to reconcile their emotions.
4. Language and Symbolism	How does Shakespeare use language and symbolism to convey the themes of the sonnet?	Shakespeare employs rich language and symbolism in “Sonnet 139” to evoke the complexities of love and betrayal, utilizing metaphorical imagery such as robbery and swearing to underscore the emotional turmoil experienced by the speaker, ultimately inviting readers to contemplate the intricacies of human relationships.

Short Questions/Answers about “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare  

Question	Detailed Answer (with Examples)
Who is suffering in the poem?	The speaker of the poem is clearly suffering. This is evident from the very first line: “O, call not me to justify the wrong / That thy unkindness lays upon my heart” (Lines 1-2). The speaker feels their heart burdened by the “unkindness” of the beloved, suggesting emotional pain. Additionally, the speaker uses dramatic language like “wound me not” and “slay me not” (Lines 2, 3) to emphasize their intense suffering.
What is the cause of the speaker’s suffering?	The speaker’s suffering is caused by the beloved’s infidelity. This is hinted at in the first line with “unkindness” and made clearer in lines 3-4: “Tell me thou lov’st elsewhere; but in my sight, / Dear heart, forbear to glance thine eye aside.” The speaker pleads with the beloved to be honest about loving someone else.
How does the beloved’s beauty contribute to the speaker’s pain?	The beloved’s beauty creates a complex situation for the speaker. On one hand, it’s the source of the speaker’s love: “Let me excuse thee: ah, my love well knows / Her pretty looks have been mine enemies” (Lines 8-9). However, this same beauty is also used as a weapon of deception: “And therefore from my face she turns my foes, / That they elsewhere might dart their injuries” (Lines 11-12). The speaker feels the beloved withholds their true feelings by hiding behind their beauty.
What is the speaker’s inner conflict?	The speaker’s inner conflict revolves around the desire for honesty and the fear of further pain. They crave the truth: “Tell me thou lov’st elsewhere” (Line 4). Yet, in the face of the beloved’s beauty, they switch and plead: “Yet do not so; but since I am near slain, / Kill me outright with looks and rid my pain” (Lines 13-14). This contradiction shows the speaker’s desperation and confusion. They would rather be hurt by the truth than be deceived by beauty.

Literary Works Similar to “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare  

1. “The Flea” by John Donne – Like Shakespeare’s sonnet, “The Flea” explores themes of love, betrayal, and persuasion. Donne’s poem employs metaphysical conceit to argue for physical intimacy, similar to the persuasive tone in Shakespeare’s sonnet.
2. “Love’s Alchemy” by John Donne – This poem by Donne also delves into themes of love and betrayal. It explores the transformative power of love and the pain of unrequited affection, echoing the emotional depth found in Shakespeare’s sonnet.
3. “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell – Marvell’s poem shares similarities with “Sonnet 139” in its exploration of persuasion and the passage of time. Both works employ persuasive rhetoric to address a lover, discussing themes of love, time, and mortality.
4. “When You Are Old” by W.B. Yeats – Yeats’ poem reflects on lost love and the passage of time, much like the themes found in Shakespeare’s sonnet. Both works contemplate the enduring impact of past relationships and the bittersweet nature of memory.
5. “Remember” by Christina Rossetti – This poem by Rossetti explores themes of love, loss, and remembrance, similar to the emotional depth found in Shakespeare’s sonnet. Both works reflect on the complexities of love and the enduring impact of past relationships on the present.

Suggested Readings for Further Analysis of “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare  

Books: “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong”

• Ackroyd, Peter. Shakespeare: The Biography. Nan A. Talese, 2005. (This comprehensive biography offers historical and cultural context for Shakespeare’s sonnets.)
• Bloom, Harold, ed. William Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Bloom’s Literary Interpretations, Chelsea House Publications, 2008. (This collection features diverse critical interpretations of the sonnets, including potential readings of “Sonnet 139.”)
• Orgel, Stephen. The Authentic Shakespeare. Routledge, 2002. (This critical study examines the authorship question and textual considerations relevant to interpreting Shakespeare’s works.)

Articles: “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong”

• Hokama, Rhema. “Love’s Rites: Performing Prayer in Shakespeare’s Sonnets.” Shakespeare Quarterly, vol. 63, no. 2, 2012, pp. 199–223. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41679747. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
• “Sonnets.” Shakespeare Quarterly, vol. 48, no. 5, 1997, pp. 743–48. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/2871362. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
• Bates, Ernest Sutherland. “The Sincerity of Shakespeare’s Sonnets.” Modern Philology, vol. 8, no. 1, 1910, pp. 87–106. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/432499. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
• MATZ, ROBERT. “THE SCANDALS OF SHAKESPEARE’S SONNETS.” ELH, vol. 77, no. 2, 2010, pp. 477–508. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40664640. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
• NELLES, WILLIAM. “Sexing Shakespeare’s Sonnets: Reading Beyond Sonnet 20.” English Literary Renaissance, vol. 39, no. 1, 2009, pp. 128–40. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24463748. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Websites: “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong”

• The Folger Shakespeare Library: https://www.folger.edu/ (The Folger Shakespeare Library offers digital resources and educational materials related to Shakespeare’s works.)
• The Marlowe Society: https://marloweshakespeare.info/About_Us.html (The Marlowe Society provides scholarly resources and fosters discussion on Early Modern English literature.)
• Poetry Foundation: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/william-shakespeare (The Poetry Foundation website offers educational resources and critical interpretations of poetry, including Shakespeare’s sonnets.)

Representative Quotations from “Sonnet 139: O, call not me to justify the wrong” by William Shakespeare 

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“O, call not me to justify the wrong”	The speaker implores their beloved not to force them to justify the wrongs inflicted upon their heart.	This line reflects the speaker’s reluctance to defend themselves against the unkindness of their beloved, suggesting a desire to avoid confrontation and instead appeal to their lover’s sense of compassion and understanding.
“Wound me not with thine eye but with thy tongue”	The speaker asks their beloved not to harm them with their gaze, but rather to use their words to wound them.	This line highlights the power of language to inflict emotional pain, contrasting the physical act of looking with the verbal act of speaking. It suggests that words can be as hurtful as physical wounds, emphasizing the importance of verbal communication in the dynamics of love and relationships.
“Tell me thou lov’st elsewhere; but in my sight”	The speaker requests honesty from their beloved, asking them to confess their love for someone else openly.	This line demonstrates the speaker’s willingness to confront the truth, even if it causes them pain. It suggests a desire for transparency and authenticity in the relationship, as well as a willingness to accept the reality of their beloved’s feelings, regardless of the consequences for their own emotional well-being.
“Let me excuse thee: ah, my love well knows”	The speaker attempts to excuse their beloved’s actions, acknowledging that their attractiveness has been a source of jealousy and enmity.	This line reveals the speaker’s understanding and empathy towards their beloved, recognizing the societal pressures and external influences that may have led to their unkindness. It suggests a desire to forgive and reconcile, despite the pain caused by the beloved’s actions, highlighting the complexities of love and forgiveness in the face of adversity.
“Yet do not so; but since I am near slain”	Despite their initial plea for understanding, the speaker expresses a desire for their beloved to acknowledge the extent of their pain and put an end to their suffering.	This line reflects the speaker’s internal conflict between forgiveness and resentment, as well as their willingness to confront the reality of their situation and seek closure. It suggests a longing for honesty and directness in communication, as well as a recognition of the need to confront painful truths in order to move forward in the relationship.
“Kill me outright with looks and rid my pain”	The speaker concludes by asking their beloved to end their suffering by acknowledging the depth of their emotional distress.	This line encapsulates the speaker’s desperation and vulnerability, as well as their willingness to sacrifice their own emotional well-being for the sake of honesty and authenticity in the relationship. It suggests a desire for resolution and closure, even if it means facing the painful reality of the beloved’s actions, highlighting the complexities of love and the sacrifices it sometimes demands.