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Hello Creatives,
Ever found yourself drifting peacefully to sleep with the rhythmic cadence of Shakespeare's sonnets? In this soothing episode of Sleepless Creatives, we return to the Bard's most intimate poetry with part four of the Fair Youth Sonnets.
We journey through Sonnets 33-38, where Shakespeare masterfully explores the complex emotional landscape of love, disappointment, and forgiveness. Beginning with the celestial imagery of Sonnet 33, where the beloved is compared to the sun suddenly hidden by clouds, we witness the poet's raw disappointment transformed gradually into understanding.
By Sonnet 35, Shakespeare not only forgives his beloved's trespasses but takes part of the blame upon himself, demonstrating the paradoxical nature of loving someone who has hurt us.
The reading continues through Sonnets 36 and 37, where, despite physical or social separation, the unity of true love persists.
Shakespeare finds completeness in his beloved's excellence despite his own perceived shortcomings—a sentiment that resonates powerfully across centuries. The sequence concludes with Sonnet 38's celebration of the beloved as muse, the wellspring of creative inspiration who surpasses even the nine muses of classical mythology.
Whether you're a Shakespeare enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful transition to sleep, this episode offers both literary richness and the gentle, measured cadence perfect for quieting an active mind.
Sweet dreams, creative dreamers.
Florence x
The Music in this episode is Dawning by Ian Kelosky.
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Do you want to feature as one of our Guest Readers in your own special episode? If you work or study in the Performing Arts or Creative Industry in any capacity, we would love to have you.
Applications open on 1st September every year, follow us on Instagram to keep up with the announcements!
Sleepless Creatives is hosted by Florence St Leger, and produced by Canary Studios.
The opening theme is Reflection by Birds of Norway.
