Narrative and plot does not have to be obvious within poetry, the audience can infer certain storylines and elements, and this is demonstrated in William Shakespeare’s sonnets. Whilst each sonnet doesn’t necessary have a definite plot, there is a narrative that spans across the sonnet sequence. The sonnet sequence implies that narrative can keep audience commitment and engagement throughout multiple poems, not only one. Ordered into a sequence, Shakespeare’s sonnets are arranged so that a narrative can continue through each separate poem. Published officially in 1609 under the title of Shakespeare’s Sonnet, Shakespeare took control of his poetry, which had previously been published in 1599 as The Passionate Pilgrimage which included ‘Sonnet 138’ and ‘Sonnet 144’, however not all poems in the publication were Shakespeare’s despite the publisher, William Jaggard, claiming them all the poems in the publication were written by the writer. By placing all the sonnets in one publication, Shakespeare allowed the sequence to create a story, whether that was the intention or not. However, in comparison to Browning, the narrative created by the sonnet sequence was not obviously fictitious, thus creating an audience interest and curiosity …show more content…
It is argued that cultural changes (such as the gay pride and feminist movements) have a huge impact on how Shakespeare’s sonnets are understood. However, what must be acknowledged is that the speculation surrounding the sonnets that applies in the modern era, may not have been applicable in the period in which they were written as people did not define themselves by their sexuality for such a notion did not exist. Despite this the speculation arguably demonstrates that the narrative and plot, whether purposefully created by the poet or not, has kept the sonnets written multiple centuries ago still relevant and topical with