A rare, handwritten variant of William Shakespeare’s famous “Sonnet 116” has recently been discovered by an Oxford researcher, adding a fascinating chapter to the timeless work. Known for its themes of unwavering love, the sonnet is often heard at weddings, yet its interpretation may have shifted during the tumultuous period of the English Civil Wars in the mid-1600s.
Leah Veronese's findings, reported in The Review of English Studies, reveal that the poem carried different connotations at that time, making this discovery not just significant for literary scholars but also for understanding the political climate of Shakespeare's era. “It’s incredibly exciting when somebody finds any manuscript trace of Shakespeare’s poems,” said Columbia University Professor James Shapiro, an authority on Shakespeare, who did not partake in the discovery.
Experts believe this variant exemplifies how Shakespeare’s timeless work has been adapted to resonate with evolving societal and political issues. “Shakespeare has always been political,” noted Professor Shapiro, emphasizing that reinterpretation of literary works in various contexts is a hallmark of their lasting impact. The manuscript is expected to spark further discussions about how literature connects to the political fabric and moments in history, reaffirming Shakespeare's relevance across centuries.
