Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Doubtful Choice" is a sonnet by Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford who was born on April 12, 1550 and died on June 24, 1604. The poem explores the complexities of love and desire. It  is characterized by its use of vivid imagery and its exploration of the conflicting emotions that arise when one is faced with difficult choices in matters of the heart. "A Doubtful Choice" was likely written in the late 16th or early 17th century, during de Vere's lifetime. However, the exact date of its composition is not known.

The poem is structured as a Shakespearean sonnet, with three quatrains followed by a rhyming couplet. The language of the poem is characterized by its ornate and formal style, which reflects de Vere's aristocratic background and his deep familiarity with the conventions of Elizabethan poetry.

Throughout the poem, de Vere explores the theme of conflicting desires and the difficulty of making choices in matters of love. He uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the depth of his emotions, and invites the reader to contemplate the complexity and nuance of human desire.

One of the central themes of the poem is the tension between desire and responsibility. De Vere suggests that the heart can be pulled in many different directions, and that the choice between fulfilling one's own desires and fulfilling one's obligations to others is often a difficult and painful one.

The poem is also notable for its exploration of the theme of the fleeting nature of desire. De Vere suggests that desire is a fickle and ephemeral emotion, and that the objects of our desire are often elusive and difficult to grasp. He uses rich and vivid imagery to convey the transience of desire, and invites the reader to contemplate the bittersweet nature of human longing.

Overall, "A Doubtful Choice" is a rich and complex sonnet that explores the timeless human experience of grappling with conflicting desires and making difficult choices in matters of the heart. Through its ornate style and vivid imagery, the poem invites readers to contemplate the nuances and complexities of human desire, and to reflect on the eternal struggles and triumphs of the human heart.

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