Sonnets of William Shakespeare: Intricacies of Identity Unveiling the Human Psyche and the Eternal Search for Authenticity

William Shakespeare: The Bard

Sonnets of William Shakespeare, sequence of 154 sonnets by English poet and playwright William Shakespeare a majority of them were written between 1595 and 1599 after the Earl of Southampton became his patron. The sonnet genre was at its acme by that time. Shakespearean sonnet differed from those of other predecessors in that it had three decasyllabic quatrains each rhyming alter natively and a rhyming couplet at the end -rhyme scheme ababcdcdefefgg.

The History 

Thomas Thorpe registered them on May 20, 1609, with the title Shake-speares Sonnets. Neuer before Imprinted. Thorpe prefixed to the volume a cryptic dedication: “To the onlie begetter of these insuing sonnets Mr. W. H. all happinesse and that eternitie promised by our everliving poet wisheth the well-wishing adventurer in setting forth T. T.” Many attempts have been made to determine the identity of “Mr. W. H.” The two leading candidates are William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, and Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton. We will, however, not indulge in the intricacies of identity. Rather we will discuss on the general nature of his sonnets and try to locate intricacies of identity in his sonnets, unveiling the human psyche and the eternal search for authenticity.

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare: A Man or An Artist

His artistic touch is surely mature than in his other poems. It is difficult to determine whether Shakespeare speaks as a men or an artist. Two different opinions exist among critics regarding the sonnets – one stating that Shakespeare has unpacked his soul and the other denying it. The literary convention of the age was love-sickness with all its abuses and complaints. The poet could be autobiographical, subjective and indicate them with his flight of fancy. Sidney had already shown the way in his poetry. Shakespeare had for his source the sonnets of Drayton and expresses the stock illustration of Renaissance poetry in the description of the season, or of a lovers’ emotion. However, there is, in them, his own artistic touch and indebtedness to masters like Petrarch and Ronsard. 

While some readers accept the sonnets as a literal account of events that actually happened to Shakespeare, most critics view them as semi-autobiographical evidence that has yet to be satisfactorily proven. Shakespeare’s sonnets do not reveal his heart but they exhibit his ‘personality and temperament’ with a subjectivity that is autobiographical. The sonnets anticipate the idea of Shakespeare the man as we find in his plays. He is seen to be ‘a man of an eager sensitive nature – one intensely alive to the pleasure of the senses, and to the beauty of the physical world’.  

An Insight into Him as an Artist

While his  sonnets may provide little conclusive information about Shakespeare’s life, they do provide insight into him as an artist. Like his later plays, Shakespeare’s sonnets are highly metaphorical. The sonnets derive their artistic unity less from the story that runs intermittently through them than from their exploration of the universal human themes of time, death, change, love, lust, and beauty. The sonnets do not indicate the sagacity of outlook as found in Shakespeare’s plays. The poet, probably, was a disappointed of lover, or he was involved in tricks of friendship and comradeship in the court circle which was new to him. An absence of emotional balance pervades the sonnets along with the literary conventions. A sudden projection of a ‘story of intrigue, different in colour and complexion’ intervenes invariably.

The Theme of the Sonnets

So, in Shakespeare's sonnets, the theme of identity emerges as a complex tapestry woven with intricacies. The poet grapples with questions of self-discovery, exploring the depths of his own being. Through poetic language and metaphor, he delves into the multifaceted nature of identity, examining its fluidity and the masks we wear in society. Shakespeare's sonnets unravel the enigmatic nature of identity, challenging conventional notions of selfhood. The poet navigates the intricate layers of human existence, pondering the essence of being and the elusive concept of identity. Through introspection and introspective verse, he explores the tensions between authenticity and societal expectations, illuminating the complexities of the human experience.

For Example, Sonnet 27 explores the internal struggle of maintaining a facade while longing for authenticity. Sonnet 29 dots down the narrator's transformation from despair to self-acceptance, highlighting the fluid nature of identity. Sonnet 73 contemplates the passage of time and its impact on one's sense of self. These sonnets exemplify Shakespeare's exploration of identity, unveiling the intricate layers of human existence.

Puzzle in Shakespeare's Sonnets

Shakespeare's sonnets serve as a poetic exploration of the intricate threads that compose one's identity. The poet delves into the labyrinthine nature of selfhood, grappling with themes of love, desire, and the masks we wear. Through his lyrical mastery, Shakespeare challenges the notion of a singular, fixed identity, highlighting the complexity and fluidity of human existence. Identity unfolds as a captivating puzzle in Shakespeare's sonnets, showcasing the intricacies of human nature. The poet delves into the interplay of emotions, desires, and societal roles, crafting verses that reflect the multifaceted dimensions of identity. From the passionate sonnets to the introspective musings, Shakespeare's words resonate with readers, inviting them to ponder the enigmatic nature of their own selves.

In reference we can quote few famous lines:

Sonnet 116: "Let me not to the marriage of true minds"

Sonnet 18: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"

Sonnet 130: "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun"

Sonnet 73: "That time of year thou mayst in me behold"

In all of these quoted lines, the issue of identity surfaces throughout the collection, reflecting the complexities of self-discovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is fair to say that William Shakespeare's sonnets explore the intricate nature of identity, delving into themes of love, desire, beauty, and self-reflection. Through his masterful use of language and poetic techniques, Shakespeare invites readers to ponder the complexities of individuality and the eternal quest for self-understanding and acceptance. But weather he unlocks his heart or not is not certain about.

Ardhendu De

Ref: 

1. ALBERT. (2000). History of English Literature (Fifth Edition) [English]. OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.     

2. A history of English literature : Compton-Rickett, Arthur, 1869-1937 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/historyofenglish00comprich

3. Kastan, David Scott. "William Shakespeare." Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.