Shakespair: Sonnet Replies to the 154 Sonnets of William Shakespeare

by Martin P. Bidney

Shakespeare's Sonnets (published in 1609 but mostly written in the 1590s) offer surprises everywhere, but two big ones in particular. These relate to the plot and to the range of the poet's passionate feeling. The story line has the makings of a high suspense love drama, but the author wants, more crucially, to explore his thoughts on a myriad of topics in what feels like verse journaling - moody, mercurial, unpredictable, and intense. That's why the genre of the narrative hovers between a play and what we'd now call a psychological novel. Complicating both the dramatic tension and the introspective depth is the bisexual range of the poet's passionate temperament. The fact that his boyfriend and mistress are attracted to each other will account for some of the strong conflicts in the speaker's mind. But the wild oscillations of his feeling toward each of them are also rooted in his widely receptive sexual nature. I'm a dialogic poet, carrying on a long tradition of friendly rivalry among verse writers. Here I undertake a book-length dialogue in sonnets with Shakespeare. The best way to respond to a poem that won't let go of you is to write another poem and try to make it worthy of the first. Often I sum up a lyric from a new perspective. Or I'll respond with parallel or contrasting memories and imaginings of my own. Poets, philosophers, mythic figures, musicians, or novelists may enter my replies. Psychological sidelights will be many. The possibilities revealed by the genre of lyrical response appear unlimited. There's no better con-verse-ation partner than Shakespeare, who gave me a deep love for his favorite lyric form. Entering into it, I assumed a stranger-self, and it made a stranger me.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2016

Reviews

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterful tribute and poetic homage...

"Shakespair: Sonnet Replies to the 154 Sonnets of William Shakespeare" by Martin Bidney is an enchanting and poetic dialogue that weaves a tapestry of verse in response to Shakespeare's timeless sonnets. Published in 1609, Shakespeare's sonnets are renowned for their surprises and profound emotional depth. Bidney, a dialogic poet, embarks on a captivating journey, engaging in a book-length conversation with the literary maestro himself.

As the reader delves into this lyrical exchange, the essence of Shakespeare's sonnets unfolds in mesmerizing ways. Bidney's poetic replies offer new perspectives, reflecting a fusion of emotions and introspective musings. The sonnets, characterized by moody intensity and mercurial emotions, draw the reader into a realm that hovers between the dimensions of a play and a psychological novel.

Bidney's poetic responses entwine with Shakespeare's verses, taking the reader on a journey of poetic camaraderie and friendly rivalry. With each sonnet, Bidney artfully captures the essence of Shakespeare's work while adding his own unique flair. His craft unravels a profound exploration of the human experience, beautifully encapsulating the spirit of poetic conversation with the master wordsmith himself.

"Shakespair: Sonnet Replies to the 154 Sonnets of William Shakespeare" is a masterful tribute and poetic homage, skillfully crafted by Martin Bidney. This unique poetic endeavor breathes new life into Shakespeare's sonnets, creating a harmonious symphony of voices that captivates and enchants. For lovers of poetry and those who cherish the timeless works of Shakespeare, this book offers an exquisite and soul-stirring experience, celebrating the magic of poetic conversations across generations. Highly recommended.