In the first quatrain, the speaker contemplates the criticism they anticipate from society for dedicating their love to an individual who deviates from conventional standards of beauty. The use of words like "false compare" and "defect" suggests that society deems this love as inferior due to physical imperfections.
The second quatrain further delves into the speaker's unwavering commitment to their love despite these external criticisms. The speaker questions the value of being admired by society if it comes at the cost of sacrificing genuine affection. They assert that their love is unique, and even if it lacks the conventional attributes, it remains incomparable in its intensity.
The final couplet serves as a poignant conclusion, reinforcing the speaker's conviction in their love's legitimacy. By stating that their love is "better far than beauty's best," the speaker asserts that the intrinsic qualities of their beloved surpass any external attractiveness found in others.
Throughout the sonnet, Shakespeare skillfully employs literary devices to enhance the impact of his words. Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence across line breaks, creates a sense of urgency and emotional intensity. The repetition of words such as "love," "compare," and "beauty" reinforces the central themes of the sonnet. Additionally, the use of antithesis in lines 12-13 ("Better far than beauty's best, for beauty lies / In the beholder's eye") highlights the contrast between society's superficial judgment and the speaker's genuine appreciation of their beloved.
In conclusion, Sonnet 126 is a celebration of love that transcends societal norms and physical appearances. Shakespeare powerfully conveys the message that true love is blind to flaws and exists independently of external validation, making it a timeless exploration of one of the most profound emotions known to humanity.