Venus and Adonis

Venus and Adonis is one of Shakespeare's longer poems.

Related Topics:
Shakespeare - Poem

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Though included in most collections of his collected works, his Sonnets tend to receive greater critical attention. As the title implies, the poem features Venus and Adonis from classical myth.

Related Topics:
Sonnet - Venus - Adonis - Classical - Myth

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Shakespeare begins the work with a dedication to the Earl of Southampton.

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As Adonis is preparing to go hunting, Venus "seizeth on his sweating palm" and "Backward she push'd him, as she would be thrust" (for purposes of sexual intercourse). We find next that "Panting he lies, and breatheth in her face," while Venus tells him "Be bold to play, our sport is not in sight." Her pleadings that he stay with her are in vain, and the next day Adonis is killed as he hunts boar.

Related Topics:
Hunting - Sexual intercourse

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