Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder-
Diplomatic travels abroad influenced his writing; introduced the sonnet to England. Narrowly escaped death at the hands of Henry VIII, 2 times.

"Whoso list to hunt"
He is tired of seeking female deer?
Like attempting to hold the wind in a net?
Futile, exhausting; even if he is successful, she is too wild to hold onto even though she seems tame. This sounds like a man who is tiring of the pursuit of the woman he loves and will probably never obtain. Anne Boleyn?

"My Galley"
The subject is traveling late at night on a ship in dangerous seas? Those accompanying him are unconcerned about his well-being. In this poem, the writer expresses extreme insecurity, uncertainty, and fear. But of whom or what? Himself, his life?
Apparently, he has little hope of making it home: "Drowned is reason that should me consort, and I remain despairing of the port."