AI Fact-Check
Who are W.H. and the Dark Lady in Shakespeare's sonnets, and how many sonnets are dedicated to each?
Quick answer:
W.H. and the Dark Lady in Shakespeare's sonnets are mysterious figures with debated identities. W.H. might refer to Henry Wriothesley, William Herbert, or possibly Shakespeare's nephew, William Hart. The Dark Lady's identity is speculated to be Mary Fitton, Emilia Lanier, or others like Black Luce or Jane Davenant. Sonnets 1-126 are addressed to W.H., and sonnets 127-154 to the Dark Lady. Their true identities remain uncertain.
The identity of "W.H." and the "Dark Lady" in William Shakespeare's sonnets remains a topic of much debate and speculation among scholars and literary critics, as Shakespeare did not provide explicit clues about who these individuals might be. Here’s what is generally considered about them:
-
W.H.: The initials "W.H." appear in the dedication of the first edition of Shakespeare's sonnets, published in 1609, which reads "To the only begetter of these ensuing sonnets Mr. W.H." There are several theories about the identity of W.H., but none are confirmed. Some popular candidates include:
- Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton: He was a known patron of Shakespeare, and some believe "W.H." might be a misprint for "H.W."
- William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke: Another possible patron, given the initials match.
- It might also refer to a fictional or symbolic figure, rather than a real person.
-
Dark Lady: The "Dark Lady" is a mysterious figure who appears in the later sonnets, specifically sonnets 127 to 154. She is characterized by her dark hair and complexion, which was unconventional for beauty standards of the time, and she is depicted as both alluring and morally ambiguous. Her identity is also speculative, with no definitive evidence. Some theories suggest she might have been:
- Mary Fitton: A maid of honor to Queen Elizabeth I, sometimes suggested due to her dark features.
- Emilia Lanier: A poet and musician who fits the description and was part of the same cultural circles.
In terms of the number of sonnets:
- W.H.: The "Fair Youth" sonnets, which are often associated with W.H., encompass sonnets 1 to 126.
- Dark Lady: Sonnets 127 to 154 are generally considered to be dedicated to the Dark Lady.
Despite these theories, the true identities remain unknown and are subject to interpretation and personal belief.
The generated response provides a correct answer by briefly discussing some of the more common theories behind the identities of W.H. and the Dark Lady. It also correctly identifies the sonnets that refer to each of them.
The identities of W.H. and the Dark Lady are highly debated, and these are just a few of the most prominent theories. Keep in mind that the identities of these two are likely not entirely straightforward. The sonnets may be fictionalized or may incorporate elements of multiple real-life individuals.
In addition to Henry Wriothesley and William Herbert, some scholars have suggested that W.H. may refer to Shakespeare's nephew, William Hart. However, this theory is debated since William Hart was not born until 1600 and Shakespeare may have begun writing these sonnets at an earlier date.
There has also been much speculation about the identity of the Dark Lady. Mary Fitton and Emilia Lanier are the most common contenders for this title. However, some scholars have suggested other possibilities. These include Black Luce, the madam of a popular brothel, the innkeeper Jane Davenant, and Aline Florio, the wife of a fellow poet. However, these theories are largely based on rumors and suppositions. We will likely never know for certain who the Dark Lady was.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
References