A comparison of the themes of Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard
Both Henry Howard and Thomas Wyatt made significant contributions towards the
development of English literature during the reign of King Henry VIII. Through their
translations of Petrarchs' work, these men were responsible for introducing sonnet form
into English. "Both Wyatt and Surrey helped to change the nature of English
poetry,"(textbook, p.187). They both traveled to Italy and borrowed, as well as imitated
other poets and each other. Instead of originating fresh themes, they repeated
conventional subject matter, mainly focusing on idealized love. Works from both poets
had similar themes of confusion, sadness, and reflection.
Both Howard and Wyatt have translated sonnets, written by Petrarch. In these poems,
the speaker loves a lady, but she will not permit him to declare his love (textbook, p.192).
Wyatt's translation is called "The Long Love" and is a insightful representation of the
poet's dual observation of love. Wyatt shows two sides of love, physical and spiritual,
but never a bond between them. He shows his confusion in line 11, "And there him
hideth and not appeareth," wondering why he should hide his love and not profess it.
Howard's translation is titled "Love That Doth Reign," and is a much more commanding
version. He expresses the speaker's feelings as unrelinquishing, relating love as life's
pinnacle achievement. Although both poets relay the poem in different styles, the main
theme of confusion is ever present.
Sadness is also a theme associated with these two poets. Wyatt wrote the poem
"Whoso List to Hunt," about the love of his life, Anne Boleyn. This is a perfect example of a love sonnet, relating the struggles of his mind and spirit, in an attempt to express his
...