The sixteenth century was a time of great scientific, historical, religious and artistic upheaval. Without the benefit of computers, Television, Radio or Nosy Neighbours, much dissemination of social codes and conventions, stories, fables and legends, came from ballads of sonnets. Literacy ballads and the like were a basic format of song, with an emphasis on action rather than character, that told a story, usually concerning some social phenomena, such as romantic relationships, cheating wives or husbands, and sometimes work trades, such as ploughmen, Carpenters, etc...
Traditionally most sonnets dealt with the theme of romantic love and in general, referred to a mistress, friend, or a familial relation. The two ballads discussed here show to highly contrasting themes of 16th Century rural life: Romance and Love, and Justice and social interaction. The second focusing on how conflict between individuals might have been dealt with, or resolved.
"Astrophil and Stella"
One of the most famous, and important artistic creations 16th Century English culture gave birth to was Sidney's sonnet sequence called "Astrophil and Stella". …
