Topics for Further Study
- Select at least two additional sonnets by other poets from the sixteenth century, such as William Shakespeare or Sir Philip Sidney, to read alongside Wyatt's "Whoso List to Hunt" and the Petrarchan sonnet that inspired Wyatt, "Rime 190." Write an essay comparing and contrasting the rhyme and meter of these four sonnets. Explore how these English poets use the sonnet form to delve into various themes of Elizabethan life. Discuss what your findings reveal about the evolution of the sonnet form and the interests and abilities of each poet.
- The court of King Henry VIII was known for its exuberance and pageantry. Henry himself was famous for his extravagant attire and encouraged his courtiers to dress for "show" as well. Research the typical garments of the Tudor court and create a poster presentation of your findings, using illustrations to clarify the nature and purpose of the different articles. Explain what these clothes reveal about the Tudor court and what they indicate about the values of the people during that period.
- Watch a film adaptation of the life of Henry VIII and his six wives, then compare the film to your research on the real six wives of Henry VIII. Create a detailed "biography" for each wife to serve as a comparative study guide. After watching the film, make a poster or graph for each wife's comparison. Discuss the changes made by the actors and director to the real-life figures and events, and explore the possible reasons for these modifications.
- A feminist analysis of Wyatt's poem "Whoso List to Hunt" might focus on the objectification of the woman as prey, hunted like a forest animal. Research the roles of women in sixteenth-century English society, especially their roles as daughters, wives, and mothers. Write a report examining several issues: Consider how wealth or poverty affected women's roles. How much control did women have over their bodies and property? Discuss their legal rights, if any, and what options were available to women who chose not to marry. Compare the lives of these women to those of women in modern society. Finally, consider the role you might have played as either a man or a woman, and explain whether you would have enjoyed living in this time period.
- Write your own love sonnet using the fourteen-line format. You may use one of the traditional rhyme schemes of Elizabethan poets, or you can create your own, but ensure there is a clear pattern. Your topic can be any form of love—love for a pet, a parent, a grandparent, a friend, or even an object like a car. Then write a one-page critique of your poem. What do you see as its strengths and weaknesses? Explain why you chose your rhyme scheme and whether it was difficult or easy to follow. Discuss why you selected your particular topic and how you approached writing the sonnet.
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