A comparison of the themes of Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard

A comparison of the themes of Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard Both Henry Howard and Thomas Wyatt made significant contributions towards the development of English literature during the reign of King Henry VIII. Through their translations of Petrarchs’ work, these men were responsible for introducing sonnet form into English. “Both Wyatt and Surrey helped to change the nature of English poetry,”(textbook, p.187). They both traveled to Italy and borrowed, as well as imitated other …

…the main theme in both poets’ works. Their drive is fueled by previous experiences and their memories. The themes of confusion, sadness, and reflection help the poets to relay their feelings in several different situations. The reasons for the similarities lie in their influences, mainly Petrarch, and the fact that they were the only ones to read each others’ work, since the vast majority of their poems were not published until after their deaths in 1557.