Poetry anthology context and themes

Whoso list to hount

• Petrarchan sonnet.

• Rumoured ode to Anne Boleyn

• Unattainability of love

• The chase of love

• Unrequited love

Sonnet 116

• Speculation regarding Shakespeare’s sexuality.

• Economic marriages.

• Idealised love

• Unconditional love

• Lasting love

The Flea

• Metaphysical poetry - based on logic>emotions.

• Lust

• Immoral desire

• Seduction

To His Coy Mistress

• Metaphysical poetry - logic>emotions.

• Memento Mori.

• Seduction

• Lust

• Time

The Scrutiny

• Cavalier poetry - focus on sexual pleasure, selfish attitude.

• Infidelity.

• Lust.

Absent from thee

• Restoration period - freedom, self-indulgence, promiscuity.

• Suffering.

• Devotion.

Ae Fond Kiss

• Rumoured ode to Agnes McLehose who left the affair to reunite with her husbanmd.

• Suffering.

• Infidelity.

The Ruined Maid

• Critique on the moral decay of Victorian society.

• Social mobility.

• Corruption.

Non Sum Qualis

• Decadent movement - seeking pleasure.

• Obsession.

• Lost love.

• Longin/yearning.