Don Paterson

Emma Smith, a Professor of Shakespeare Studies, Hannah Crawforth, a Senior Lecturer in Early Modern Literature, and Don Paterson, a Poet and Professor of Poetry, delve into the intricacies of Shakespeare's Sonnets. They explore the significance of the 1609 publication, the unique emotional resonance of the sonnet form, and the enigmatic identities of figures like the Dark Lady. Insightful discussions include Sonnet 116's paradoxes, the brutal honesty of Sonnet 129, and the impact of changing critical tastes over time, highlighting how these works have been rediscovered and reinterpreted.

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.

Scottish poet Don Paterson discusses his new memoir 'Toy Fights' with NPR's Scott Simon, highlighting his descent into madness and the absence of his poems in the book. Then, Simon talks to Booker Prize-winning poet Michael Ondaatje about his book 'A Year of Last Things' and the fluidity between fiction and poetry.