Comparative Study of Sonnets by Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey.

Comparative Study of Sonnets by Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey

Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, are pivotal figures in English poetry, credited with introducing the sonnet form to England. They adapted the Petrarchan sonnet for an English audience and influenced the development of the English (or Shakespearean) sonnet. Despite their shared contributions, their styles and thematic approaches exhibit notable differences.

Similarities Between Wyatt and Surrey’s Sonnets

1. Influence of Petrarch:

   • Both poets drew inspiration from the Italian poet Petrarch. Their sonnets often deal with themes of unrequited love, inner conflict, and human frailty.
   • They adapted Petrarch’s sonnet form to English, experimenting with rhyme schemes to suit the vernacular.

2. Exploration of Love and Courtly Themes:

   • Both poets explored the complexities of love, particularly its pain and unfulfilled longing.
   • Their sonnets reflect the conventions of courtly love, including admiration for an idealized, unattainable woman.

3. Use of Symbolism and Allegory:

   • Wyatt and Surrey both employed rich imagery and allegorical elements to express emotional depth and personal struggles.

4. Early English Renaissance Poetics:

   • As poets in King Henry VIII’s court, both reflected the intellectual and artistic ideals of the Renaissance, blending classical influences with personal expression.

Differences Between Wyatt and Surrey’s Sonnets

Examples of Sonnets

1. Sir Thomas Wyatt – "Whoso List to Hunt"

   • Theme: The unattainability of love, possibly referencing his rumored relationship with Anne Boleyn.
   • Imagery: The metaphor of hunting a deer represents the pursuit of love, with the phrase "Noli me tangere" (Do not touch me) symbolizing forbidden love.
   • Tone: Cynical and resigned, reflecting the futility of his pursuit.

2. Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey – "Love, That Doth Reign and Live Within My Thought"

   • Theme: The nobility of love, inspired by a Petrarchan sonnet.
   • Imagery: The allegory of love as a king living in the poet’s heart, with martial metaphors portraying love’s struggles.
   • Tone: Chivalric and idealistic, emphasizing loyalty and honor in love.

Critical Comparison

• Emotional Depth vs. Artistic Refinement: Wyatt’s poetry is often seen as emotionally intense, while Surrey’s work is praised for its technical mastery and poetic elegance.
• Historical and Personal Context: Wyatt’s experiences in King Henry VIII’s tumultuous court influenced his darker, more cynical tone. In contrast, Surrey’s noble lineage and chivalric ideals shaped his more optimistic outlook.
• Influence on English Poetry: Wyatt introduced the sonnet, but Surrey’s development of the English sonnet form had a greater impact on later poets like Shakespeare and Sidney.

Conclusion

Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, laid the foundation for the English Renaissance sonnet. While Wyatt introduced the form with raw emotion and introspection, Surrey refined it with elegance and structural innovation. Together, their works represent the dual legacy of emotional resonance and formal perfection in early English poetry.