18th Annual Student Research Conference
Language & Literature
Words for All Time: A Closer Look at the Monumental Shakespearean Sonnet 55
Idean E. Judah
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
Few authors have yet to match the artistry and mystery of William Shakespeare’s legendary sonnets, and much speculation has been attributed to his object(s) of affection, especially in relation to his earlier works. In order to shed light on a lesser-known theory for one of Shakespeare’s poetic targets, the presenter will expand upon the recent theorizations of English historian, Michael Wood – that which consider more “familial” ties within the earlier sonnets than ever before. Projected under such a light, Shakespeare’s work regains an element of innocence, and cannot help but upon the eyes of the reader to a new realm of possibilities for application. For the purposes of this study, such a theory shall be explored within the contexts of Sonnet 55, one of the greater clinchers amidst the lower-numbered works. Upon a deeper examination of the styles and elocution of the acclaimed quatrains and couplet, historical research will be applied, in line with the theories of Wood and in comparison to the longer-established theories applied to Shakespeare’s works.
Keywords: Shakespeare, Sonnet, literary theory
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 38-4
Location: VH 1304
Time: 3:00