1. Shakespeare’s sonnets” (1609)

2. The fair youth – the dark lady – the rival poet figures around which Shakespeare’s sonnets revolve Shakespeare’s sonnets

3. The fair youth - Shakespeare’s main source of inspiration - plays a pivotal role in the sonnets - Shakespeare’s poetical mind hinges on him The rival poet - a dangerous rival - a threat - a disturbing factor Dark lady - flesh-and-blood woman, - openly sensual, - sometimes unfaithful

4. Main themes Love -physical -spiritual - ideal Marriage Procreation - the defence against death and decay Time - the arch-enemy of mankind - destroys the beauties and goodness of the world Poetry - the other way to reach immortality