Venus and Adonis

by William Shakespeare

"Venus and Adonis" by William Shakespeare is a narrative poem published in 1593. It tells the story of Venus, goddess of love, who becomes infatuated with the beautiful young Adonis and attempts to seduce him—but he only wants to go hunting. This pastoral work blends erotic, comic, and tragic elements as it explores unrequited desire and the nature of love itself. When Adonis insists on hunting a dangerous wild boar despite Venus's warnings, their encounter takes a fateful turn that will forever change how love touches human hearts.