Polka Dots and Gun Shots

Ensnared by the primordial characteristics of all human beings, Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder, finds himself without a sexual cohort in his poem, Whoso List to Hunt. According to Norton's Anthology, Wyatt was close to being executed on two separate occasions one was for treason and the other for 'possibly' sleeping with Anne Boleyn (Pg. 593.) His aforementioned poem is essentially him describing his failed sexual relationship with the Queen. The poem begins by announcing that if anyone wants to 'hunt' he knows where to find a 'hind.' This is especially interesting for a few reasons. Firstly, Wyatt is willing to allow other men to try and 'hunt' her down. Also it should be noted that a 'hind' is a red female deer, and Anne Boleyn is described as having long dark red hair. (The red was, of course, inherited by her daughter, Elizabeth I. A picture of Anne Boleyn can be seen below. It is also interesting to note that even though a hind is a red female deer or a doe, female rabbits are also referred to as 'does,' and we all know what rabbits do . . .) It then proceeds with 'alas, I may no more,' meaning that he will no longer go after the Queen (Line 2.) His reasoning for this decision is revealed in line three as he states that doing so has produced unsuccessful work and has 'wearied [him] so sore.' He then reveals that he does not come first with the Queen (line 4.) Wyatt then 'puts [men] out of doubt' that they will spend their 'time in vain' if they choose to go after the Queen (lines 9-10.)

In the last lines of the poem Wyatt describes the diamonds around Boleyn's neck, which could be a reference to the Crown Jewels, (line 11.) He then proceeds to mention that the Latin words, "Noli me tangere, " are written around her neck. The translation of this is "Don't touch me." But then Wyatt continues with "for Caesar's I am, and wild for to hold, though I seem tame," (lines 13-14.) The Latin phrase is also found in the Bible, when Jesus tells Mary Magdalene that she cannot touch him because he is the king. This is paralleled to Anne Boleyn telling Wyatt not to touch her because she is married to the King (Caesar is a form of King and Mary Magdalene also had red hair.) In the last line of the poem, Wyatt states that although the Queen may seem prim she is, in all actuality, quite wild. This could be an allusion to her sexcapades with men other than her husband, or an allusion to her technique in bed.

Biologists will state that at the most basic level, organisms need to reproduce for survival. As humans it remains a necessity to have sexual intercourse, however human beings are not supposed to be animalistic when pursuing such a relationship. Thus, with this inherent flaw in our system, combined with our natural yearning for acceptance we tend to trap ourselves on the stairs of aggravation. Both beneath the level of love and above the deck of devilish desire.