Shakespeare and the English Renaissance Sonnet

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-ix

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2. Introduction

   1. Introduction

      • Paul Innes

      Pages 1-16

3. Positions

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 17-17

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   2. Beginnings: Wyatt and Surrey

      • Paul Innes

      Pages 18-38

   3. Sequences and Others

      • Paul Innes

      Pages 39-71

   4. Shakespeare 1–17

      • Paul Innes

      Pages 72-105

4. Dynamics

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 107-107

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   2. The Young Friend

      • Paul Innes

      Pages 108-137

   3. The Poetic Persona

      • Paul Innes

      Pages 138-177

   4. The ‘Dark Lady’ Sonnets

      • Paul Innes

      Pages 178-206

5. Conclusion Other Perspectives

   1. Conclusion Other Perspectives

      • Paul Innes

      Pages 207-212

6. Back Matter

   Pages 213-238

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This book is an analysis of the sonnet in the English Renaissance. It especially traces the relations between Shakespeare's sonnets and the ways in which other writers use the form. It looks at how the poetry fits into the historical situation at the time, with regard to images of the family and of women. Its exploration of these issues is informed by much recent work in critical theory, which it tries to make as accessible as possible.

• poetry
• Renaissance
• William Shakespeare
• British and Irish Literature

• University of Edinburgh, UK

  Paul Innes

Paul Innes

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