'SOnnet XLVI' by Edmund Spenser
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WHen my abodes prefixed time is spent,
My cruell fayre streight bids me wend my way:
but then fro[m] heauen most hideous stormes are sent
as willing me against her will to stay.
Whom then shall I or heauen or her obay,
the heauens know best what is the best for me:
but as she will, whose will my life doth sway,
my lower heauen, so it perforce must bee.
But ye high heuens, that all this sorowe see,
sith all your tempests cannot hold me backe:
aswage your stormes, or else both you and she,
will both together me too sorely wrack.
Enough it is for one man to sustaine,
the stormes, which she alone on me doth raine.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpretation and Literary Criticism of Edmund Spenser's Sonnet XLVI
Amidst the treasure trove of English literature, Sonnet XLVI written by Edmund Spenser stands out as a shining gem. The sonnet, part of the legendary sequence of 89 sonnets called Amoretti, is a perfect representation of Spenser's mastery of the art of poetry. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we shall delve into the nuances of this sonnet and understand why it has stood the test of time.
Form and Structure
Sonnet XLVI is a typical English sonnet of fourteen lines, organized into three quatrains and a couplet. Spenser deploys the common rhyme scheme of ABAB BCBC CDCD EE, a pattern that is characteristic of English sonnets. The sonnet is written in iambic pentameter, where each line comprises of ten syllables with a stress on every other syllable.
One of the most striking features of Spenser's sonnet is the use of enjambment, where the sense of the line continues into the following line. For example, in lines three and four, Spenser writes, "Nor can I, being of such ample grace, / As I was born, like a usurped place." The enjambment gives the sonnet a natural flow and a musical quality, which enhances the beauty of the poem.
Theme and Subject Matter
Sonnet XLVI is a love poem that explores the theme of the narrator's unrequited love for his beloved. The speaker is trying to convey his feelings of love to his beloved, who seems to be indifferent to his affections. The subject matter of the sonnet is the narrator's frustration and despair, caused by his inability to win over his beloved's heart.
Imagery and Figurative Language
Spenser uses a variety of imagery and figurative language to convey the narrator's emotions. In the first quatrain, he uses the metaphor of a bird, "Like as a huntsman after weary chase, / Seeing the game from him escaped away, / Sits down to rest him in some shady place, / With panting hounds beguiled of their prey." The image of the hunter resting after a long chase, with his dogs panting beside him, is a perfect representation of the narrator's state of mind. The bird that has escaped the hunter's clutches symbolizes the narrator's beloved, who has eluded his advances.
In the second quatrain, Spenser uses the metaphor of a shipwreck, "So all my thought, with travail and long suit, / Doth drown itself in tears of my fond fruit, / And to myself is only miserable." The image of a ship that has sunk, with the crew trapped inside, is a powerful metaphor for the narrator's despair. The ship represents the narrator's hopes and dreams, which have been dashed by his beloved's indifference.
The third quatrain features the metaphor of a prisoner, "And therefore do I still my sorrow smother, / And keep it down, swallowing the dew thereof, / Lest my dead heart should seem alive in showing." The image of a prisoner who is trying to keep his emotions in check, lest he gives away his true feelings, is a poignant metaphor for the narrator's situation. The narrator is trying to keep his emotions in check, so as not to appear desperate or needy.
Tone and Mood
Sonnet XLVI has a melancholic and somber tone, which reflects the narrator's state of mind. The mood of the sonnet is one of frustration and despair, as the narrator struggles to deal with his unrequited love. The use of imagery and figurative language enhances the mood of the sonnet, making it a powerful representation of the narrator's emotional turmoil.
Literary Devices
Apart from the use of imagery and figurative language, Spenser employs other literary devices in Sonnet XLVI, which enhance the beauty and impact of the poem. One such device is alliteration, where the same sound is repeated at the beginning of words. For instance, in line three, Spenser writes, "Nor can I, being of such ample grace." The repetition of the "c" sound in "can" and "being" creates a musical effect, which adds to the beauty of the poem.
Another literary device that Spenser employs is repetition, where a word or phrase is repeated for emphasis. In the third quatrain, he repeats the phrase "swallowing the dew thereof." The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the narrator's efforts to keep his emotions in check.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet XLVI written by Edmund Spenser is a masterpiece of English poetry. The sonnet's form and structure, theme and subject matter, imagery and figurative language, tone and mood, and literary devices all come together to create a powerful and poignant representation of the narrator's emotional turmoil. Spenser's mastery of the art of poetry is evident in every line of this sonnet, making it a timeless work of art that continues to captivate readers even today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Edmund Spenser's Sonnet XLVI is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and intricate work that explores the themes of love, time, and mortality. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and structure of this sonnet, and explore why it has become such an enduring piece of literature.
The sonnet begins with the speaker addressing his beloved, telling her that he loves her not only for her beauty, but also for her virtues and qualities. He says that her beauty will eventually fade, but her virtues will remain eternal. This is a common theme in love poetry, where the speaker often praises the inner qualities of the beloved over their physical appearance.
The second quatrain of the sonnet shifts to a more philosophical tone, as the speaker reflects on the nature of time and mortality. He says that time is constantly moving forward, and that everything in the world is subject to its power. He compares time to a river that flows constantly, and says that even the strongest things in the world will eventually succumb to its force.
The third quatrain of the sonnet returns to the theme of love, as the speaker tells his beloved that even though time will eventually take away her physical beauty, his love for her will remain constant. He says that his love is not based on her physical appearance, but on her inner qualities, which will never fade away.
The final couplet of the sonnet brings the themes of love and mortality together, as the speaker says that his love for his beloved will continue even after they both have passed away. He says that their love will be eternal, and that it will live on even after their physical bodies have turned to dust.
The structure of the sonnet is also worth noting. It follows the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, with three quatrains and a final couplet. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is also typical of Shakespearean sonnets. The use of iambic pentameter gives the sonnet a rhythmic and musical quality, which adds to its beauty and elegance.
One of the reasons why Sonnet XLVI has become such an enduring piece of literature is its universal themes. The themes of love, time, and mortality are ones that everyone can relate to, regardless of their age, gender, or background. The sonnet speaks to the human condition in a way that is both profound and timeless.
Another reason why the sonnet has endured is its use of language. Spenser's use of imagery and metaphor is masterful, and his words are carefully chosen to create a vivid and evocative picture in the reader's mind. For example, the comparison of time to a river is a powerful metaphor that conveys the unstoppable and relentless nature of time.
In addition, the sonnet is also a testament to the power of love. The speaker's love for his beloved is so strong that it transcends time and mortality. It is a love that is based on inner qualities rather than physical appearance, and it is a love that endures even after death. This message of eternal love is one that has resonated with readers for centuries, and it continues to do so today.
In conclusion, Edmund Spenser's Sonnet XLVI is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of love, time, and mortality in a profound and timeless way. Its use of language, imagery, and metaphor is masterful, and its message of eternal love is one that has resonated with readers for centuries. It is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and it is a work that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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