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William Meader (Courtship in Shakespeare) states that recognition of courtly “love is possible only after the two lovers have fulfilled certain requirements as to age, rank and attitude”(4). This was so the lovers were ranked high enough to allow the intricate details of courtship to be carried out. One may be of higher rank, but both needed to be above working class, although the very rich could fall in love with someone of lower rank as they recognise rank is not the only cause of love. Although Meader quotes “it is not proper to love any woman whom one would be ashamed to marry.”(5) he finds that beauty is a cause for love but requires good character for fulfilment. Shakespeare’s loves are for all time, faithful to only one lover, even after death.
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 displays Petrarchan style which is to praise and immortalise his beloved. He poses “Shall I com
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Shakespeare’s sonnets 18 and 130, while seeming very different, have many similarities in style and type of love portrayed.
Sydney’s sonnet 31 shows his rejection of his love because of “want of wit” (10) insinuating that he did not have the character or birthright to gain her love due to his lack of nobility. Shakespeare loves her true beauty wether external beauty or not. This intimates he is describing courtly love although either sonnets could be romantic, more enduring love, particularly sonnet 130 where he seems to love more than her beauty or hierarchal standing. He writes “My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun, Coral is far more red than her lips red” (1-2) seeming to say that her eyes are not bright and her lips lack the desired colour of beauty. silently and with how wan a face” (2).
He changes the tone with his first acknowledgment of love, loving to hear her speak, even though her voice is less pleasing than music. Shakespeare seems to leave Petrarchian convention and states that his mistress lacks comparison with things of beauty. Because of the failings and instability of summer he finds that his lover has none of these faults and that summer could not compare with the beauty of his lover.
Sydney’s Astrophil and Stella Sonnet 31 is a good example of desiring love that is being faced with rejection due to his rank not fulfilling the requirements of courtly love. While this sonnet may be courtly love it could also be seen as erotic love due to its admiration of her beauty although there is no lustful suggestion. He asserts that his lovers beauty will not die or fade. Shakespeare is certain that “in perfumes is there more delight; than in the breath that from my mistress reeks” (7-8) derogatively suggesting that his mistress smells far less than desirable, .
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