A Supplication
Of such a truth as I have meant;
My…
Sir Thomas Wyatt (1503-1542) was an English poet, diplomat, and courtier, often credited with introducing the sonnet to English literature. Born at Allington Castle in Kent, Wyatt was educated at St John's College, Cambridge. His early career was marked by his service to King Henry VIII, where he undertook various diplomatic missions across Europe, including assignments in France, Italy, and Spain. Wyatt's exposure to Italian literature, particularly the works of Petrarch, deeply influenced his own poetry.
Wyatt's poetic achievements are significant; he adapted the structure of Petrarchan sonnets to English, paving the way for future poets such as Shakespeare. His body of work includes songs, sonnets, and satires, characterized by their exploration of themes like love, beauty, fidelity, and the complexities of human emotion. His notable works include "Whoso List to Hunt" and "They Flee from Me," which are often anthologized.
Despite his success, Wyatt's life was not without turmoil. He experienced periods of imprisonment and royal disfavor, exacerbated by his close association with Anne Boleyn and the political intrigue of Henry VIII's court. Wyatt was knighted in 1535 but died relatively young in 1542. His legacy endures through his substantial contributions to the development of English poetry.