Post by Harry on Jun 8, 2002 10:16:30 GMT -5
With Shaxper's encouragement, I've been trying to start a discussion of the Dark Lady sonnets in the Sonnets section of this site. I'd like to encourage everyone to participate. My opinions are neither exhaustive nor always right. I'd like to hear the opinions of others, particularly of others who are not overly familiar with the sonnets.
It hasn't been so long since I was not a sonnet fan. Compared to the vigorous poetry of the plays, the sonnets seemed too inward-looking, too convoluted, too "precious." But, when I started discussing them on a site like this, I found they had considerable bite. They repay study. Shakespeare never elsewhere opens himself up to the degree that he does in the sonnets (to whatever extent that is--a debate in its own right). If this isn't Shakespeare talking about love, sex, and life in his own character, then it's a good facsimile and the closest we'll ever get to the reality.
If you think you don't like the sonnets, try them anyway. What can it hurt? Ask questions. If you can't puzzle out a line, ask and we'll try to work it out together. If you don't agree with what I say, tell me off. If I've missed something, clue me in. I, for one, will value your opinions even if they aren't informed by years of study--perhaps more if they are fresh.
It hasn't been so long since I was not a sonnet fan. Compared to the vigorous poetry of the plays, the sonnets seemed too inward-looking, too convoluted, too "precious." But, when I started discussing them on a site like this, I found they had considerable bite. They repay study. Shakespeare never elsewhere opens himself up to the degree that he does in the sonnets (to whatever extent that is--a debate in its own right). If this isn't Shakespeare talking about love, sex, and life in his own character, then it's a good facsimile and the closest we'll ever get to the reality.
If you think you don't like the sonnets, try them anyway. What can it hurt? Ask questions. If you can't puzzle out a line, ask and we'll try to work it out together. If you don't agree with what I say, tell me off. If I've missed something, clue me in. I, for one, will value your opinions even if they aren't informed by years of study--perhaps more if they are fresh.
