Notas sobre os Sonetos Ingleses de um Poeta Português: 35 Sonnets de Fernando Pessoa

Abstract

Published in 1918, 35 Sonnets by Fernando Pessoa is a literary example of the intricate relationship between the author and the English language as well as English literature and culture. The article revisits Pessoa’s sonnets while exploring the writing process, its content, the formal structures employed and its reception by both the English and Portuguese public. Despite facing criticism for their archaic style, Pessoa’s sonnets significantly influenced his Portuguese poetry. Pessoa’s English writings, though initially undervalued, are now recognised for their intricate stylistic complexities, reflecting his deep engagement with English literary traditions, mainly Shakespeare and John Milton