A review by lilliangrey
Shakespeare's Sonnets by William Shakespeare

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.