English 24

Other Readings and Media

Wells, Stanley, ed.: Shakespeare's Sonnets and a Lover's Complaint

Description

Shakespeare's sonnets were published in 1609. Although little is known about how they were first received by the reading public, they are known to have caused delight and puzzlement since their second edition in 1640. Over the course of the semester, we will read all 154 sonnets, at the rate of approximately ten per week. All students will be expected to participate actively in the seminar, and present both informal and formal oral reports on one or more sonnets of their choosing.