Meaning Of The Word Fair In Sonnet 106

I chose to research the word “fair” taken from line 2 of Sonnet 106. I chose this word because I knew there would be some changes in usage and meaning over time. In modern speech, the word “fair” has several meanings. The most common definition used in modern speech is equal, just or reasonable (def. 18b). If something is fair, then all parties are treated equally and nobody is unhappy with the result (def. 18b). Another common modern usage is in grading items. Something that is in fair condition is in acceptable condition but has several minor flaws (def 15c). This contradicts older definitions of “fair” because the term was usually used to describe something beautiful and without flaw. Most of the older definitions listed in the OED are …show more content…
It is also seen in Old and Middle High German, Old Icelandic, Swedish and Danish with similar meanings. In the Old Icelandic definition light and bright are included. In Gothic, it means suitable or fitting which is closest to the modern usage of the word. While there are several small changes in meaning or additional meanings in these languages, “fair” had a similar meaning in all them : something beautiful or pleasant. There are several other definitions of “fair”. The first recorded definition, circa 1200, is something beautiful and agreeable. This, and several other definitions, describe the physical appearance of something as pleasing to the eye but “fair” can also be used to describe someone’s moral state and reputation (def. 12). “Fair” can also be used to describe someone with light skin (def. 17). This relates back to the Old Icelandic definition of “light.” The term “fair” has also been used as a blanket term to describe women as in the “fairer sex” and such phrases (def. 1f). This is considered archaic and sexist by modern standards but was a common usage through the mid-twentieth century. It is occasionally used in modern speech but is by no means …show more content…
When he writes that “So all their praises are but prophecies/Of this our time, all you prefiguring;” (9-10) he is reflecting on the ambiguous nature of love poetry. A poem about a flawless person who the author is madly in love with could apply to most readers and can be used to express the feelings of many people. This is the fault in love poetry that Shakespeare is highlighting. Since the feeling of love is universal it is hard for a poet to uniquely capture their feelings. It becomes one of many love poems about a nameless