Poetry · Character

Muse

The poetic muse, invoked in the sonnets.

minor

First appearance: sonnets

Muse shows up with force in VIII. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Implied as the inspiration for poetry and music, united in the friend.

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In VIII: Implied as the inspiration for poetry and music, united in the friend. Later, in Sonnet 21: Referenced as the inspiration for…

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Muse appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VIII
Implied as the inspiration for poetry and music, united in the friend.
Sonnet 21
Referenced as the inspiration for poets who use elaborate comparisons.
XXXII
Referenced as the source of the poet's inspiration, which might have grown with the age.
Sonnet XXXVIII
The poet's Muse is depicted as needing the beloved's inspiration to create.
LXXVIII
The poet's Muse, invoked repeatedly for inspiration and fair assistance in verse.
Sonnet LXXIX
The poet's sick muse that gives place to another.
Sonnet LXXXII
The poet's Muse is referenced as the source of his inspiration, from which the friend is not bound.
Sonnet LXXXIV
Implied as the source of poetic inspiration, struggling to adequately capture the beloved's essence.
Sonnet LXXXV
The poet's tongue-tied Muse remains silent while others compile praise.
Sonnet LXXXVI
Implied as the source of inspiration that the poet feels he has lost.
Sonnet 100
The poet addresses the Muse directly, urging her to return and sing of his love.
Sonnet CI
The poet's Muse is addressed as 'truant' and urged to fulfill its duty of praising the beloved.
Sonnet CIII
The poet's Muse is described as bringing forth poor verse, unable to match the beloved's beauty.

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