The "Traditional" View: Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton
* Why: Wriothesley was a prominent nobleman and patron of the arts, with a known connection to Shakespeare. Some sonnets seem to hint at a young nobleman's social standing and power, fitting Wriothesley's profile.
* Evidence: Wriothesley was a close friend of Shakespeare's patron, the Earl of Essex. Some scholars believe Shakespeare dedicated "Venus and Adonis" and "The Rape of Lucrece" to Wriothesley.
* Criticism: There's little direct evidence linking the sonnets specifically to Wriothesley, and some scholars find the poems' themes of beauty and love too intense for a patron-client relationship.
Other Contenders:
* William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke: Another prominent nobleman and possible patron of Shakespeare. He's often linked to the "Dark Lady" sonnets, suggesting a complex relationship.
* The "Dark Lady" (unknown): The last 28 sonnets feature a woman of darker complexion, but her identity remains a mystery. Some suggest she was a rival for the Fair Youth's affections.
* A Composite Figure: Some scholars believe the Fair Youth is a fictionalized amalgamation of multiple real individuals, perhaps reflecting Shakespeare's own experiences and ideals.
The Importance of the Debate:
While identifying the Fair Youth definitively may be impossible, the debate reveals the power of Shakespeare's poetry. The sonnets' enduring appeal lies in their ability to resonate with universal themes of love, beauty, and mortality, transcending any single individual.
Ultimately, the beauty of Shakespeare's sonnets lies in their ambiguity and their capacity to inspire different interpretations. It's up to each reader to decide who they believe the Fair Youth to be, enriching their understanding of these remarkable works.