In the old age black was not counted fair, Or if it were…
““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 pow'r, Fairing the foul with art’s false borrowed face, Sweet beauty hath no name, no holy bow'r, 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.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker laments how modern standards have redefined beauty, turning once‑unattractive traits into praised qualities, while true beauty loses its moral authority.
In simple terms: Modern beauty standards invert traditional ideals, degrading true virtue.
Key Takeaway
Question how shifting standards affect self‑worth.
Themes
beauty
societal standards
appearance
identity
morality
Mood
reflective
critical
melancholic
Type
poetic
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- fashion critique
- social media influence
- personal relationships
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
aesthetic relativism
cultural construction
identity politics
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines authentic beauty?
- How do we resist harmful beauty norms?
A Different Perspective
True beauty may be compromised when society prizes superficial traits.