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ellysreads's review against another edition
5.0
So happy I've finally read, felt, and understood these sonnets. They come in packs, so I found it interesting to go from one to the next in order, as opposed to hearing them out of sequence. Also, I find it hilarious how many of the analysis websites don't just state the obvious subtext for a lot of them...
lilliangrey's review against another edition
dark
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I will throw myself on the literary frontlines and say that I never understood the appeal of Shakespeare. Then I started my literature degree and the first things we read were Shakespeare's sonnets. *Cue the rolling of eyes and groaning of throats*. Being introduced to the sonnets, however, opened my eyes - so to speak - about why Shakespeare is so monumental to the literary canon. Many in my class did disagree, suggesting the only reason we like Shakespeare is because we are told we must like him. Regardless of whether or not that is true, and of course there is a hint of truth in that sentitment, Shakespeare has inspired pratically every author to ever come to - obviously there is something in his works which demands attention. If we look at the sonnets, it is not hard to see the inspiration brewing between the lines. The most interesting way to track a poets progression is to sit with a collection of their poems, and to do so with Shakespeare is a rather rewarding experience. We see how Shakespeare's depiction of love changes from one of purity and sustencance, to one of carnality and indulgence. I have said before, but literature and art shows us much more about humanity than what history books can, and Shakespeare's Sonnets is a prime example at how cultural shifts are powered through the words of poets.
antonella24's review against another edition
5.0
Uno dei miei preferiti è in sonetto 116
"...Amore non è amore
se muta quando scopre un mutamento
o tende a svanire quando l’altro s’allontana.
Oh no! Amore è un faro sempre fisso
che sovrasta la tempesta e non vacilla mai;
è la stella-guida di ogni sperduta barca,
il cui valore è sconosciuto, benché nota la distanza.
Amore non è soggetto al Tempo, pur se rosee labbra e gote
dovran cadere sotto la sua curva lama;
Amore non muta in poche ore o settimane,
ma impavido resiste al giorno estremo del giudizio:
se questo è errore e mi sarà provato,
io non ho mai scritto, e nessuno ha mai amato."
Devo aggiungere altro?
"...Amore non è amore
se muta quando scopre un mutamento
o tende a svanire quando l’altro s’allontana.
Oh no! Amore è un faro sempre fisso
che sovrasta la tempesta e non vacilla mai;
è la stella-guida di ogni sperduta barca,
il cui valore è sconosciuto, benché nota la distanza.
Amore non è soggetto al Tempo, pur se rosee labbra e gote
dovran cadere sotto la sua curva lama;
Amore non muta in poche ore o settimane,
ma impavido resiste al giorno estremo del giudizio:
se questo è errore e mi sarà provato,
io non ho mai scritto, e nessuno ha mai amato."
Devo aggiungere altro?
kaceychapman04's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
caraellen's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
3.5
I loved a lot of Shakespeare’s sonnets that I read in this, but to most readers I would not recommend reading all of them in a row like this. Many topics are covered in very similar fashion multiple times and it gets a bit tedious. But I am currently in a poetry and short story phase and really enjoyed getting to know them all, even though they weren’t all winners.
christian_jeanne's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
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