Venus and Adonis

The narrative poem explores the themes of love and desire through the mythological tale of Venus, the goddess of love, and her passionate pursuit of the handsome Adonis. Written in 1593, it showcases Shakespeare's early poetic style and dedication to Henry Wriothesley, the Earl of Southampton. With 1,194 lines, the work delves into the complexities of attraction and the fleeting nature of beauty, highlighting Shakespeare's mastery in weaving emotion and imagery.