Petrarchan Love and the English Renaissance

This book explores English love poetry from the 16th century to 1621, influenced by Petrarch, focusing on poets like Wyatt, Gascoigne, Sidney, Greville, Daniel, Wroth, Ralegh, and Shakespeare. It links Petrarchan lyricism to the English court and explores the politics of love during Queen Elizabeth's reign.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the realm of English love poetry, primarily focusing on sonnets and sonnet sequences that bear the influence of Petrarch, spanning from the early sixteenth century to the publication of Mary Wroth's Pamphilia to Amphilanthus in 1621. By incorporating a wide array of fresh scholarship and innovative thinking into the narrative of history, the book specifically highlights the works of notable poets such as Thomas Wyatt, George Gascoigne, Philip Sidney, Fulke Greville, Samuel Daniel, Wroth, Walter Ralegh, and Shakespeare, along with noteworthy poems like "They flee from me," "Gascoigne's Woodmanship," and "The Ocean's Love to Cynthia." Moreover, it explores the Petrarchan theme of love for a powerful but distant woman, which was given a literal manifestation in the politics of the realm during Queen Elizabeth's reign. In the final chapter, the book presents a fresh perspective on the implied narrative of Shakespeare's sonnets, offering a novel model that sheds light on their intricate structure and themes. This scholarly work is a valuable contribution to the study of English love poetry and its historical context, providing a rich and detailed exploration of the genre's evolution and its profound impact on literature and culture.

Introduction:
This book explores the rich tapestry of English love poetry, primarily focusing on the sonnet and sonnet sequence forms that have been deeply influenced by the works of Petrarch. Spanning from the early sixteenth century to the publication of Mary Wroth's Pamphilia to Amphilanthus in 1621, this study delves into the profound impact of Petrarch's lyrical style on the evolution of English love poetry. By examining a range of poets, including Thomas Wyatt, George Gascoigne, Philip Sidney, Fulke Greville, Samuel Daniel, Wroth, Walter Ralegh, and Shakespeare, as well as notable poems such as "They flee from me," "Gascoigne's Woodmanship," and "The Ocean's Love to Cynthia," the book seeks to shed light on the intricate connections between Petrarchan lyricism and the ambitious and intense world of the English court. Moreover, it explores the ways in which the Petrarchan theme of love for a powerful but distant woman was literalized in the politics of the realm during Queen Elizabeth's reign, highlighting the queen's recognition and exploitation of this theme.
Petrarchan Influence:
Petrarch, the towering figure of Renaissance literature, left an indelible mark on the development of English love poetry. His sonnets, characterized by their self-absorption and longing for a distant beloved, resonated with English poets of the time, who sought to emulate his lyrical prowess. The influence of Petrarch can be seen in the intricate rhyme schemes, metaphorical language, and emotional intensity of many early sixteenth-century sonnets. For example, Wyatt's "They flee from me" and Gascoigne's "Woodmanship" exhibit the Petrarchan influence in their use of rhyme, imagery, and emotive language.
The English Court:
The English court played a significant role in shaping the Petrarchan theme of love for a powerful but distant woman. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, the Petrarchan ideal of love was transformed into a political tool, with poets using the language of love to express their loyalty and devotion to the queen. This political aspect of Petrarchan love poetry was recognized and exploited by Queen Elizabeth herself, who used it to consolidate her power and maintain her authority. For instance, Wyatt's "They flee from me" and Gascoigne's "Woodmanship" were written in response to Queen Elizabeth's call for loyalty and devotion, emphasizing the poet's love for the queen and their willingness to sacrifice for her.
Shakespeare's Sonnets:
Shakespeare's sonnets, often considered the pinnacle of English love poetry, stand apart from the rest. While they bear the influence of Petrarchan lyricism, they also exhibit a unique narrative structure and thematic depth that sets them apart from their predecessors. Shakespeare's sonnets are characterized by their complex rhyme schemes, intricate metaphors, and profound exploration of love, death, and the human condition. For example, in "They flee from me," Shakespeare employs the Petrarchan device of the lover's despair and longing, while also exploring the themes of love's transience and the inevitability of death.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of English love poetry, from its Petrarchan roots to its manifestation in the English court and the unique narrative structure of Shakespeare's sonnets. By incorporating a range of new scholarship and innovative thinking into the narrative of history, the book provides a fresh perspective on the evolution of English love poetry and its profound impact on literature and culture. This study is a valuable contribution to the field of literary criticism and will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone with a passion for poetry and its historical context.

Weight: 636g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192858368