Significance of Shakespeare's Sonnets

Gordievsky's copy of Shakespeare's sonnets is a symbol of rebellion against the Soviet Union. His copy, which included a copy of the PIMLICO plans, sat on his bookshelf in Moscow. Shakespeare's writing was forbidden in Moscow during the Soviet rule, but Gordievsky found pleasure in Western literature and kept many illegal books in his flat. The book of sonnets stayed on his shelf until July 15th, 1985 when he eventually needed to refresh himself on the escape plans.