Shakespeare, 'A Lover's Complaint', and John Davies of Hereford

The analysis reveals that "A Lover's Complaint," included with Shakespeare's Sonnets, exhibits distinct differences in language and attitude towards women, suggesting it may not be authentically Shakespearean. Vickers argues it features awkward construction, archaic diction, and a moralizing, misogynistic view of female frailty, contrasting sharply with Shakespeare's style. Through detailed examination, Vickers attributes the poem to John Davies of Hereford, a noted calligrapher and poet, potentially reshaping the understanding of the Shakespearean canon.