1. Artistic Expression: Sonnets were popular in Elizabethan England, and Shakespeare likely saw them as a form of artistic expression. He used sonnets to explore various themes, including love, friendship, mortality, and the nature of time.
2. Patronage and Dedication: Many of the sonnets are dedicated to a young man, often referred to as the "Fair Youth" or "Mr. W.H." Some scholars believe Shakespeare wrote the sonnets to gain patronage or favor from this individual. Dedications to patrons were a common practice during that time.
3. Friendship and Love: The sonnets express deep emotions, love, and admiration for the person to whom they are addressed. While the exact nature of the relationship between Shakespeare and the "Fair Youth" is unclear, some scholars suggest it was a romantic friendship.
4. Self-Reflection and Identity: Shakespeare used the sonnets to explore his own thoughts and feelings about love, mortality, and the passage of time. They offer insights into his personal experiences and reflections on life.
5. Literary Conventions: The sonnet form itself had certain literary conventions, such as specific rhyme schemes and structures. Shakespeare experimented with these conventions and pushed their boundaries in his sonnets.
It's important to note that the exact purpose behind Shakespeare's sonnets may not be fully known and remains a subject of interpretation and scholarly discussion.