Shakespeare’s Sonnets

         By Dana Battaglini

Artwork Sources:

https://www.biography.com/writer/william-shakespeare

http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/wriothesley3.htm

https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/first-edition-of-shakespeares-sonnets-1609

A sonnet is a 14 line poem written in iambic pentameter, a rhythm that includes 5 stressed syllables alternating with 5 unstressed syllables. It is made up of three quatrains, four-line units, and a concluding couplet(two lines). The first twelve lines typically develop an argument and the couplet, or last two lines, come to a conclusion. The conclusion is often witty and blunt in nature. Although not all the sonnets were written by William Shakespeare himself, they were published under his name in 1598 by Francis Meres who likely was aiming to gain notoriety with Shakespeare’s reputation. The question that is widely contested between critics is whether or not the sonnets are autobiographical or fictitious in nature.

The Young Man

It is believed that sonnets 1-126 are addressed to a young man. The poet becomes increasingly friendly with the young man and at first is only attempting to convince him to get married and have kids. But his more intimate feelings for the man begin to unfold and are tested later in the sonnets.

Who is the “young man”?

The speculations about the sonnets being based on real people has caused critics to pinpoint two individuals as the possible recipient of these sonnets. Henry Wriotheseley, Earl of Southhampton, known for his interest in theatre and the arts. He also has two of Shakespeare’s more erotic poems, “Venus and Adonis” and “The Rape of Lucrece” dedicated to him. The other candidate is William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke. His initials fit the dedication in one of the sonnets and he was also a lover of the theatre and arts. Both Herbert and Wriothesely were known to resist marriage when they were young and loved Shakespeare’s work.

The Dark Lady

Sonnets 127-154 are believed to be addressed to a woman who has come to be referred to as “the dark lady”. She is the poet’s mistress and causes him a great deal of emotional pain. She is unfaithful to him in general but also she apparently has relations with both the young man and a rival poet. The sonnets criticize her appearance, morals and the poet’s own feelings for her.

Who is the “dark lady”?

It is rumored that the dark lady is John Florio’s wife and translator, Aline Florio. She was known to fool around with her husband’s friend and was described as narcissistic and self-centered. She also has dark hair and dark eyes. She would have met Shakespeare, her husband was old and Shakespeare tended to enjoy the company of witty woman but who knows? It’s all rumors.

Unthrifty loveliness, why dost thou spend
Upon thy self thy beauty’s legacy?
Nature’s bequest gives nothing, but doth lend,
And being frank she lends to those are free:
Then, beauteous niggard, why dost thou abuse
The bounteous largess given thee to give?
Profitless usurer, why dost thou use
So great a sum of sums, yet canst not live?
For having traffic with thy self alone,
Thou of thy self thy sweet self dost deceive:
Then how when nature calls thee to be gone,
What acceptable audit canst thou leave?
Thy unused beauty must be tombed with thee,
Which, used, lives th’ executor to be.

Discussion Questions:

1. Who do you think this sonnet is addressed to? The young man or the dark lady?
2. What is the argument being made? What is the poet’s intent in writing this sonnet to him?
3. How does the poet appeal to the recipient to try and sway his/her opinion?
4. How does the poet conclude? What does the final couplet reveal about the tone of the Sonnet?

Try it with a partner!

Now that we’ve attempted to analyze a sonnet together, link up with a reading buddy and try to tackle one of your own. You can choose any sonnet you want! Attempt to answer the same 4 questions for each one. After you’re finished you will confer with another partnership and share your findings.

Find all the sonnets here: http://www.shakespeares-sonnets.com/all.php

Daily Objectives:

SWBAT identify the formal aspects of a sonnet

SWBAT engage with the real or fictitious story behind Shakespeare’s sonnets.

SWBAT analyze, make meaning from and respond to complex sonnets.