Sonnetts; quot;The Long Lovequot; and quot;Love That...

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 Petrachs work but with comparative difference in form and style. The Long Love by Wyatt and Love that doth reign by Surrey are translation of Petrachs 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 Wyatts version is potent. Surreys sonnet lacks in emotional intensity but is more artistic and cultured. Wyatts due to its aggressive and masculine tone proves to be more passionate which intensify the emotions but then it lacks artistic refinement of Surreys 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. Wyatts version therefore lacks musicality and rhythm which characterize Surreys 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 lovers master. Thou, both serve the same idea; lover is absolved of his passionate advances for whatever he does is compliance with his lords behests and in end is happy to die for it; the conclusions of both sonnet proves this