School Assignment regarding power in Shakespeare's poetryThe question for the assignment is:Your lecture must address the work of Shakespeare and how his poetry contributed to, or reflected ideas...
The question for the assignment is:
Your lecture must address the work of Shakespeare and how his poetry contributed to, or reflected ideas about 'power' in the era in which the poet lived and worked. In your lecture, you must include a detailed discussion of at least two poems by your chosen poet.
At the moment I am choosing between Sonnet 21, 71 and 91
Any help would be appreciated whether it is to do with power, the era or the sonnets
3 Answers
litteacher8 | High School Teacher | (Level 3) Distinguished Educator
I am a little confused, because it says “your chosen poet” but you mention Shakespeare. Are you comparing Shakespeare’s poems to another poet’s? Are you talking about Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 21” and so on? “Sonnet 21” is not about power necessarily, but you could say it is about the power to be yourself and not worry about what others think. Likewise, “Sonnet 71” can be interpreted as taking power in a powerless situation, when one is dead. Of the three, I think “Sonnet 91” might be your best bet, because it too has a focus on strength, or power, through love.
sarahmary95 | Student, Undergraduate | eNotes Newbie
Any thoughts on these sonnets or the theme of power within them?
sarahmary95 | Student, Undergraduate | eNotes Newbie
It is just talking about Shakespeare and talking about how his sonnets (whatever ones you choose) contributed to or reflect ideas about power/powerlessness (it can be power of love and how the power of love influenced his work, or the society etc.)