Matthew’s Reviews > The Narrative Poems > Status Update

The Rape of Lucrece is difficult - not on account of the event, but because of the odd tangents and narrative choices (Lucrece’s father and husband have a petulant argument over who mourns her death more, for instance).

Clare Asquith’s interpretations in “Shakespeare and the Resistance” are illuminating and helpful.

“The Phoenix and Turtle” is really good even without understanding the underlying subjects. Even better with that knowledge.