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Sonnetts; "The Long Love" and "Love That Doth Reign"

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In the first decade of the 16th century the two most important poets were, Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, earl of Surrey. They have made significant contribution towards the development of English literature during the reign of King Henry VIII. Both translated Petrach's work but with comparative difference in form and style. "The Long Love" by Wyatt and "Love that doth reign" by Surrey are translation of Petrach's 150th {109} sonnet. Each of these translated sonnet mirrors their respective poets' strength and distinguished conception of `love'.

The sonnets deal with the speaker who loves a lady, but she will not permit him to declare his love. It is the portrayal of emotions complaints and personal expression of love by lover. …show more content…

It lacks the strong sense of sound and form spoiling the pleasure of reading because it fails to move the readers heart though it satisfies the mind for instance this line "And coward love then to the heart apace" compared to "wherewith love to the hearts forest he fleeth" prove to be weak whereas Wyatt's version is potent. Surrey's sonnet lacks in emotional intensity but is more artistic and cultured. Wyatt's due to its aggressive and masculine tone proves to be more passionate which intensify the emotions but then it lacks artistic refinement of Surrey's sonnet.

In "Love that doth reign" alternate rhyme with a couplet at the end, and choice of the words that rhyme results in smoothness and fine rhythm. In "The Long Love" the stress is more on last syllable which gives harsh impact. Wyatt's version therefore lacks musicality and rhythm which characterize Surrey's version.

Both adopted the patrachian conceit by witty separation of love from the lover through personification. But the contrast lies in their personification. Surrey subjected love as a knight defeated in war and the lover is given the role of his assistance and Wyatt has subjected love as the lover's master. Thou, both serve the same idea; lover is absolved of his passionate advances for whatever he does is compliance with his lord's behests and in end is happy to die for it; the conclusions of both sonnet proves this

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