Whoso List to Hunt (Critical Analysis) by Thomas Wyatt

whoso list to hunt

Introduction: Whose list to hunt?

The poem “Whoso List to Hunt” is written by a famous poet of English literature Thomas Wyatt. Wyatt is also prominently known as the father of modern English poetry. In this poem (Whoso list to hunt), we will take a brief critical analysis of different aspects of thoughts that the poet has described. In the ending lines of this poem, the poet says:

“Noli me tangere, for Caesar’s I am,
And wild to hold, though I seem tame”

Critical Analysis

The poet has been loving a sweetheart. But, she has been running away from him just as a wild female deer runs away from a hunter. He feels dejected and dead-tired in the pursuit of her love. He wishes to tell other suitors of the lady to take care of that habit of hers. And, to be careful about their love affairs with the lady because the lady may seem to be tame yet she is. in fact. Wild! The poet says:

“Whose list to hunt, K know where is an hind,
But as for me, helas! I may no more
The vain travail hath worried me so sore,
I am of them that furthest come behind”

The poet has been loving a sweetheart but she has been running away from him. It’s just like a wild female deer runs away from a hunter. He feels dejected and dead-bred In the pursuit of her love. He wishes to tell other suitors of the lady to take care of that habit of hers and to be careful about their love affairs With the lady because the lady may seem to be tame yet she is. in fact. wild!

Yet may I by no means, my worried mind
Draw from the deer, but as she fleeth afore
Fainting I follow. I leave off therefore

Since in a net I seek to hold the wind

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