In Our Time

Shakespeare's Sonnets

Jun 24, 2021
Hannah Crawforth, a Senior Lecturer in Early Modern Literature, joins poet Don Paterson and professor Emma Smith to dive into the world of Shakespeare's sonnets. They explore the enigmatic historical backdrop of these poems, published in 1609 but overlooked in favor of his plays. The guests discuss the rich themes of love, beauty, and identity, as well as the complexities within relationships portrayed in the sonnets. With insights on wordplay and the paradox of love in Sonnet 116, the conversation reveals the layered meanings that have captivated audiences through the ages.
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INSIGHT

Sonnets vs. Plays

  • Shakespeare's sonnets, published in 1609, differ from his plays in their publishing history.
  • While plays were reprinted, the sonnets weren't during his lifetime, suggesting a different reception and purpose.
INSIGHT

Courtly Influence

  • The 1609 publication might reflect Shakespeare's response to the changed social dynamics of James I's court.
  • The shift from Elizabeth I's focus to James's homosocial environment potentially influenced the sonnets' themes.
INSIGHT

Sonnet as Thought Structure

  • The sonnet form's structure, with its 14 lines and a turn (volta), mirrors human thought patterns.
  • This makes it ideal for resolving emotional or argumentative tension, similar to a 12-bar blues.
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