In this quote from one of William Shakespeare's sonnets, the speaker expresses a profound contradiction in their feelings towards a person they admire. Initially, they proclaim their love and admiration, seeing the subject as beautiful and bright. However, this idealized view is sharply contrasted by the stark imagery of darkness and hell, indicating a deep-seated conflict between surface beauty and underlying qualities that may be sinister or troubling.

This juxtaposition highlights the complexities of love and attraction, where one's perception can be deceived by outward appearances. Shakespeare captures the dual nature of human emotions, illustrating how love can coexist with elements of darkness and despair. The tension between light and darkness serves as a powerful metaphor for the complicated nature of relationships, suggesting that beauty can often be intertwined with flaws or shadows.