Traces of Homoeroticism in Shakespearean Sonnet

A total of 154 sonnets are attributed to Shakespeare. These sonnets explore the vividity of human expressions and sentiments that have engulfed our existence throughout centuries. Since the golden era of English Literature blessed by the inks of a plethora of writers, Shakespeare’s creative fingers have dominated the discourse like no other. Throughout his 154 sonnets, he has shared his own idea of love and longing for someone which has caused a huge jolt in the discourse of the English critics. From his dedication to the anonymous Fair Youth to his admiration of a feminine Dark Lady, Shakespearean sonnets have been the cause of major controversies in this respective field. The first 126 sonnets of his creative sphere have been dedicated to a mysterious character called ‘Fair Youth’ by our great dramatist. The rest of the sonnets have been addressed to a Dark Lady, who sprinkles a similar extent of mystery if we compare it with the case of Fair Youth. However, his sonnets titled to the Fair Youth have been the talk of the literary sphere, because of the Homoerotic elements present in them. This seminar paper is an assessment of the findings of homoeroticism evident in the first 126 sonnets written by the great dramatist and writer William Shakespeare. The very idea of Fair Youth being a man, instead of a woman points out the fact that the poetic persona, which is most probably Shakespeare himself, is a bisexual character. Furthermore, through a close reading of the sonnets, we will uncover the extent of societal norms and constraints placed upon same-sex relationships in 16th-century England. This seminar paper, overall aims to explore the Shakespearean idea of same-sex desire at a time when it was not considered as a topic to openly discuss. By exposing the idea of the presence of homoeroticism in Shakespearean sonnets, we aim to contribute to a diverse perspective on Shakespearean literature, something so widely talked about and yet often overlooked.