Shakespeare's sequenced set of 154 sonnets has become the interest of numerous translators in many parts of the world. Apart from the linguistic aspect, the translation of the sonnets has cultural, aesthetic and social aspects. This paper seeks to scrutinize the aesthetic value of the translated sonnets into Arabic in both prose and verse. It also attempts to examine what the recipient accepts and expects from the translator. To achieve the objectives of this study there will be a cross comparison between a selection of translated sonnets in light of polysystem theory (Itamar Even-Zohar), and translation as a norm-governed activity (Gideon Toury).Two aspects will underline such a comparison; the cultural aspect and the aesthetic aspect