The Example of Vertu

In «The Example of Vertu,» Stephen Hawes presents a richly woven tapestry of morality and virtue, navigating the complexities of human character through the lens of allegory and didacticism. Written in the early 16th century, this poem artfully incorporates the conventions of courtly literature while simultaneously critiquing societal norms. Hawes employs a distinctive lyrical style, enhancing the vivid depictions of virtue and vice, thus inviting readers into a broader contemplation of ethical existence and self-governance. The work stands as a significant artifact of its time, reflecting the Tudor court's... Next