The scholastics of the Middle Ages began their careers but cutting their teeth on The Sentences of Peter Lombard. These were essentially a collection of teachings of the Church Fathers and opinions of medieval masters arranged as a systematic treatise. This approach is more or less my own approach to reading. Although I often refresh or distract myself with lighter fare, a certain gravitational pull always draws me back towards the works of some standing. We could call them “The Great Books,” but of course great books were written by the recently departed Cormac McCarthy; yet I doubt that you would find any of his works in a “Great Books” college curriculum. Nevertheless, a return to a classic is never a journey made in vain.
With that apologia out of the way, I would like to announce that I am launching a new series of posts. These are going to be commentary on the sonnets of Shakespeare. There are one-hundred-and-fifty four of them, so the series will continue for some time, intermingled regularly with other essays and poems. This project will do two things; first, it will help “dial in” my own control over the sonnet. Second, it will permit myself and (hopefully) others to systematically educate themselves in what is still the most influential collection of lyric poetry ever written in English.
If it accomplishes nothing else, I hope it will also sweep away any sense we might have that we already know Shakespeare well enough to neglect his sonnets. Everyone knows “Shall I compare thee … etc. etc. etc.” Just as a beautiful painting can seem to become worthless, even seem to become ugly to look at by being looked at too much; so a single poem can have its value in the economy of contemplation debased by being too easily accessed. What is too easy to get is what is no longer appreciated, and what is no longer appreciated can be easily destroyed. To prove this, go to a modern production of Shakespeare. While some will be serious, many of these will feel the need to remake Shakespeare in their own image; to “freshen” what is already evergreen; to gild the lily, usually by daubing it with filth. This series is thus part of an effort to recover and re-wild the sonnets. We might even find ourselves able to criticize Shakespeare’s work; thus, we will better understand his successes.
Look for the first Comment to appear sometime in next couple of weeks.
One final word: If you know anyone who might be interested in this series, or in The Weight of Form in general, please consider sharing it with them. I’m already very grateful for the support you’ve given me thus far. If you have a free subscription and would like to support the existence of poetry that is (I hope) worth reading, and essays that will both (please God) delight and instruct, please consider becoming a paid member. With sufficient interest and support, The Weight of Form could build up a podcast, feature guest writers, and other such amusing trifles. In any case, if you are reading, you have my gratitude.
Great idea for a series!
This sounds wonderful. I can't wait to hear your thoughts and learn more about Shakespeare's sonnets.