• The Final Couplet

  • Written by: Theo Cowan
  • Podcast

The Final Couplet

Written by: Theo Cowan
  • Summary

  • Join me, Theo Cowan, as I desperately attempt to work out what the hell William Shakespeare was going on about in all those sonnets. Don't worry, I create stupid little stories to accompany each one so you don't get too bored.
    Theo Cowan
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Episodes
  • Shakespeare's Sonnet 93
    Feb 16 2025

    Shakespeare continues to be very suspicious of his young lover. Has he had an affair?


    Sonnet 93

    So shall I live, supposing thou art true,
    Like a deceived husband; so love's face
    May still seem love to me, though altered new;
    Thy looks with me, thy heart in other place:
    For there can live no hatred in thine eye,
    Therefore in that I cannot know thy change.
    In many's looks, the false heart's history
    Is writ in moods, and frowns, and wrinkles strange.
    But heaven in thy creation did decree
    That in thy face sweet love should ever dwell;
    Whate'er thy thoughts, or thy heart's workings be,
    Thy looks should nothing thence, but sweetness tell.
    How like Eve's apple doth thy beauty grow,
    If thy sweet virtue answer not thy show!

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    21 mins
  • Shakespeare's Sonnet 92
    Feb 9 2025

    Shakespeare says if his lover stops loving him then he will die. Makes sense...


    Our story continue with Marlowe choosing the man he wants to marry!


    Sonnet 92

    But do thy worst to steal thyself away,
    For term of life thou art assured mine;
    And life no longer than thy love will stay,
    For it depends upon that love of thine.
    Then need I not to fear the worst of wrongs,
    When in the least of them my life hath end.
    I see a better state to me belongs
    Than that which on thy humour doth depend:
    Thou canst not vex me with inconstant mind,
    Since that my life on thy revolt doth lie.
    O what a happy title do I find,
    Happy to have thy love, happy to die!
    But what's so blessed-fair that fears no blot?
    Thou mayst be false, and yet I know it not.

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    21 mins
  • Shakespeare's Sonnet 91
    Feb 2 2025

    A nice easy one to dissect this one. Basically a big long list. I like it Shakespeare.


    Our story continues with Shakespeare and Ben Jonson battling it our again for Chris Marlowe's love.


    Sonnet 91

    Some glory in their birth, some in their skill,
    Some in their wealth, some in their body’s force,
    Some in their garments, though newfangled ill,
    Some in their hawks and hounds, some in their horse;
    And every humor hath his adjunct pleasure,
    Wherein it finds a joy above the rest.
    But these particulars are not my measure;
    All these I better in one general best.
    Thy love is better than high birth to me,
    Richer than wealth, prouder than garments’ cost,
    Of more delight than hawks or horses be;
    And having thee, of all men’s pride I boast.
    Wretched in this alone, that thou mayst take
    All this away, and me most wretched make.

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    20 mins

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