Shakespeare

Introduction

The time when Shakespeare and other great poets of English wrote, the society was mired by intense hostility towards keeping any sort of affection for a member of the same sex. Homosexuality was greatly abhorred and socially unacceptable. Maybe this could be the reason why these poets while keeping away from exhibiting any homosexual leanings, found depicting homoeroticism in a hidden and concealed way a much more secure way to forward their imagination and leanings.

Much of the homoeroticism featuring in their writing turns out to be greatly confusing, vague and debatable. It could have been a deliberate attempt on their part, in order to find a safe and an easy way out in case if they were to be prosecuted on charges of homosexual tendencies by providing them with the benefit of the doubt cast by the multiple meanings of their work.

The poets no doubt were aware of the fear of reprisal by the general population and the church and so kept away from the topic or wrote on it in a concealed and ambiguous way.

There was no proper concept of gay culture in the literary classics and poetry until the nineteenth century, when finally the concept of homoeroticism and homosexuality in their works began to be investigated on a greater footing.

Discussion

Shakespeare through his sonnets had left many indications of homoeroticism in his writings that have largely been disguised and “concealed” which was probably due to the strong hostility that existed in the Elizabethan time against leaning towards the member of the same sex.

However, as time progressed and critical review and writings on Shakespeare's literature increased it became evident that the author no doubt did exhibit homoeroticism in his writings. One such notable signal is indicative in his 20th sonnet which demonstrates his leaning towards homoeroticism according to many scholars.

Sonnet 20 of Shakespeare has been widely debated, and homoeroticism turns out to be one of the closely featured topics in the center of discussion.

To an ordinary reader of the sonnet it may appear that the poet is not guilty of any homoeroticism measures but for a person who dwells into the depth of Shakespeare's poetry, many instances of homosexuality may turn out to be beyond the bounds of something that can be ignored. It could be possibly that Shakespeare aware of the sort of homophobia around him at his time may be trying to tread on safe ground and avoid any such expression in his work in order not to invite any sort of repercussions from the society. Though male courtships in the renaissance period were open and present, yet such a concept was vigorously opposed by the church which was quite strong at the time and also by the general population.

Shakespeare in his sonnets seems to have primarily addressed a young man to whom he attaches his love and affection. This is evident in his first 126 sonnets. However, the single most doubt causing sonnet appears to be sonnet 20 which according to several scholars is indicative of the poet's ...