The Pioneers of English Sonnet: Wyatt and Surrey

The sonnet, a beloved form of poetry, was introduced to English literature in the early 16th century. It was thanks to the pioneering efforts of Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, that this cherished poetic form became deeply ingrained in the literary landscape of England.

Sir Thomas Wyatt

The historical introduction of the sonnet to England can be attributed to Sir Thomas Wyatt, a royal secretary and courtier. In the 1530s, Wyatt began to introduce and adapt the Italian sonnet form. He followed the traditional Italian pattern, which is characterized by a fourteen-line structure with a specific rhyme scheme (ABABABAB CDCDCD). This marked the initial wave of sonnets in English literature, setting the stage for the future poets who would build upon these early works.

Wyatt’s early sonnets were notably complex and rich in imagery and emotion. However, contemporaries often criticized his poetic style as somewhat rough. Despite this, Wyatt's contributions to English literature are now widely acknowledged, and he is considered one of the greatest Renaissance poets. His sonnets, while innovative, often tackled themes that differed from the more conventional subjects of the time.

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey

While Sir Thomas Wyatt was paving the way, Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, made significant developments in the sonnet form. Howard introduced a new structure, dividing his sonnets into three quatrains and a concluding couplet, and established a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEF. This innovation marked a crucial shift in the structure of sonnets, making them more accessible and aesthetically pleasing to English speakers.

Surrey's work not only influenced subsequent poets but also contributed to the flourishing of lyrical poetry during the Elizabethan era. The introduction of his refined sonnet form, rich with thematic substance, laid the groundwork for the renowned sonneteers who followed, including William Shakespeare himself. By the time Shakespeare began writing his famous 154 sonnets, the form had already been established, but Shakespeare's use of the sonnet form was both innovative and sophisticated.

William Shakespeare and His Sonnet Sequence

William Shakespeare's sonnets, composed between 1592 and 1601, stand as a testament to the continued evolution of the sonnet form. These poems were part of a sequence dedicated to his beloved, known as WH, and another to the "Dark Lady." Shakespeare's sonnets are often noted for their irony, as seen in lines like "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun." This reflects a departure from the more traditional, heartfelt praise found in many of Wyatt and Surrey's sonnets.

Unlike his predecessors, Shakespeare criticized the sonnet tradition itself through his poetry. His sonnets showcase a more nuanced and reflective approach to the form, offering a fresh perspective that set them apart from the more repetitive and clichéd works of earlier sonneteers. While Shakespeare’s innovations brought new life to the form, it is important to recognize the foundational impact of Wyatt and Surrey on the development of sonnets in English literature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is perhaps a stronger argument for Sir Thomas Wyatt as the primary introducer of the sonnet to English literature, the contributions of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, should not be overlooked. Their collaborative efforts marked the beginning of a significant period in English poetry, setting the stage for the glorious Elizabethan and Jacobean sonneteers, including Shakespeare.

The enduring influence of Wyatt and Surrey on English sonnet poetry cannot be overstated. Their pioneering works have shaped the form and continue to inspire poets and readers alike. Whether through their early adaptations or later refinements, the legacy of Wyatt and Surrey remains an essential part of the rich history of English poetry.