Sonnets

Since their first publication in 1609, William Shakespeare's sonnets have begged a tantalizing question--for whom were they intended? The dedication comes not from the author himself but from the publisher, and the address to "Mr. W.H." may well be a deliberate attempt at misdirection. In the sonnets themselves, the poet first devotes his thoughts to a beautiful young male friend; then shifts his focus to his mistress-a dark femme fatale. The continuing search for their true names and identities has spawned widespread conjectures among Shakespeare scholars. It is also entirely possible that Shakespeare composed this particular set of sonnets simply as a literary exercise, for practice or for the pleasure of a patron. Whateer his motivation, Shakespeare's poetic lines have inspired, and will continue to inspire, hosts of writers, musicians and, of course, lovers.