Selected Sonnets of Shakespeare

Author: William Shakespeare
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The sonnet is a lyrical poetic form in Europe. Translated as "sonnet," it originates from the Proven?al word "sonet." Originally a short folk poem popular in the Middle Ages and used for singing. After entering the Renaissance in Europe, this form of poetry was widely used. The Italian poet Petrarch became the main representative of the sonnet. He wrote 375 sonnets in his lifetime, compiled into a collection titled "Lyric Poems," dedicated to his lover Laura. In his sonnets, each poem is divided into two parts. The first part consists of two quatrains, and the second part consists of two tercets. Shakespeare's works changed Petrarch's format, consisting of three quatrains and a couplet, arranged as 4-4-4-2, with the rhyme scheme ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GG. Each line has ten iambic feet. Shakespeare's sonnets went a step further than Petrarch, with clearer and richer themes, more intricate and varied thoughts, and skillful use of the rise and fall of the narrative. Often, the meaning is revealed in the final couplet. William Shakespeare (William Shakespeare, April 1564 – April 23, 1616 Julian calendar / May 3, 1616 Gregorian calendar), baptized on April 26, 1564, is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in English literature, a poet and playwright. He not only wrote some heart-wrenching tragedies but also many comedies that were among the funniest plays ever performed on the English stage. Additionally, he wrote 154 sonnets and several long poems, which are not merely narratives but touch on the deepest parts of human nature, earning them recognition as masterpieces of English literature. It is generally believed that Shakespeare's peak creative period was between 1585 and 1610, though the exact dates remain unknown. Most historians believe that the actor and playwright Shakespeare of the historical records were the same person. Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in April 1564, the son of John Shakespeare, a glove merchant. Records show that Shakespeare was baptized on April 26 of that year, and it is generally believed that his birthday was April 23 (the same day he died, 52 years later). Shakespeare's father was very wealthy at the time of his birth, but later he was accused of involvement in black-market wool trading, leading to a decline in his family's fortunes and the loss of his position as a city counselor. Evidence suggests that both of Shakespeare's parents had sympathies for Catholics. On November 28, 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, likely because Hathaway was already pregnant with his child. After this, Shakespeare's whereabouts became completely unknown, and it was not until the 1590s that he appeared in London's theater companies. On May 26, 1583, Shakespeare's first daughter, Susanna, was baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon. His next son and daughter were also baptized on February 2, 1585. In 1596, Shakespeare's only son, Hamnet, died and was buried on August 11, 1596. Many believe that Shakespeare's famous play "Hamlet" was written in memory of his son, as "Hamlet" and "Hamnet" are similar in spelling. In 1597, Shakespeare sold his "house, two stables, two gardens, two orchards, and everything else" in Stratford-upon-Avon for ￡60 and moved to London, becoming a famous actor and writer. He later became a partner in a theater company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. Like all theater companies at the time, it was named after the noble who sponsored it. The company was very popular, to the extent that after Queen Elizabeth I's death, King James I took over sponsorship, and the company was renamed the King's Men. From various legal documents and business contracts of the time, we know that Shakespeare gradually became wealthy in London, allowing him to buy a house in the affluent area of London and also own a large estate in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. In 1609, Shakespeare published his sonnets, many of which were written to a mysterious woman ("Dark Lady") and a man ("Fair Lord"). He retired around 1611 and published no more works until his death in 1616. Coincidentally, he died on the same day as another great Spanish writer of his time, Miguel de Cervantes. The famous Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu also died in the same year.