'Sonnet VII' by Edmund Spenser
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Fayre eyes, the myrrour of my mazed hart,
what wondrous vertue is contaynd in you
the which both lyfe and death forth fro[m] you dart
into the obiect of your mighty view?
For when ye mildly looke with louely hew,
then is my soule with life and loue inspired:
but when ye lowre, or looke on me askew
then doe I die, as one with lightning fyred.
But since that lyfe is more then death desyred,
looke euer louely, as becomes you best,
that your bright beams of my weak eies admyred,
may kindle liuing fire within my brest.
Such life should be the honor of your light,
such death the sad ensample of your might.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Beauty and Mystery of Edmund Spenser's Sonnet VII
As I read through Edmund Spenser's Sonnet VII, I couldn't help but be fascinated by the beauty and depth of the poem. At first glance, it may seem like a simple love poem, but upon closer examination, one can find layers of meaning and symbolism that add to the overall richness of the work.
The Structure of Sonnet VII
Like many sonnets, Sonnet VII follows a strict rhyme scheme (ABAB BCBC CDCD EE) and is written in iambic pentameter. However, what sets this sonnet apart is its use of repetition and variation.
The first line ("Long-while I sought to what I might compare") is repeated in the ninth line ("Then sought I likenesse, which I found at last"), and the final couplet echoes the opening line with "So all did vanish in my former hew." This repetition creates a sense of circularity and brings the poem full circle.
Furthermore, the use of variation in the second line ("To whom shall I my selfe liken, that is best?") sets up the theme of comparison that runs throughout the poem. The speaker is searching for something to compare his love to, and this quest leads him to explore various images and metaphors.
The Images and Metaphors in Sonnet VII
The poem begins with the speaker's search for something to compare his love to. He considers comparing her to "the morning faire" or "the rising sunne," but ultimately decides that these images are too common and overused.
Instead, he turns to a more unusual comparison: "But fairest she when so she doth display / The gate with beades and scarlet coverlet." Here, the speaker compares his love to a gate adorned with beads and a scarlet coverlet. This image is both exotic and mysterious, and it hints at the hidden depths of the speaker's love.
As the poem continues, the speaker explores other images and metaphors. He compares his love to "the rose, / Or lillie, which in beauties field do grow," but once again, these comparisons fall short.
Finally, in the ninth line, the speaker finds the perfect comparison: "Then sought I likenesse, which I found at last, / Thy lips the reddest Rubies to re-semble." This image is powerful and evocative, and it captures the intensity and passion of the speaker's love.
The Themes of Sonnet VII
At its core, Sonnet VII is a love poem. The speaker is searching for a way to describe the beauty of his beloved, and in doing so, he reveals the depth of his feelings.
However, there are also deeper themes at play in the poem. One of these themes is the idea of the unattainable. Throughout the poem, the speaker searches for the perfect comparison for his love, but he can never quite find it. This suggests that his love is something that can never be fully expressed or grasped.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of mystery and secrecy. The image of the gate with the scarlet coverlet suggests that there are hidden depths to the speaker's love, and this sense of mystery adds to the poem's overall power.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Edmund Spenser's Sonnet VII is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the themes of love, mystery, and the unattainable. Through its use of repetition, variation, and vivid imagery, the poem captures the intensity and depth of the speaker's feelings, while also hinting at the hidden depths of his love.
As I read through this poem, I couldn't help but be struck by its beauty and power. It is a true masterpiece of the sonnet form, and it stands as a testament to Spenser's skill as a poet. If you haven't read Sonnet VII before, I highly recommend it - it's a true gem of English literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Edmund Spenser's Sonnet VII is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and intricate work that showcases Spenser's mastery of language and poetic form. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and structure of this sonnet, exploring the themes and motifs that make it such a timeless piece of literature.
The sonnet begins with the speaker addressing his beloved, telling her that she is the "fairest creature" in the world. He goes on to describe her beauty in great detail, using vivid imagery to paint a picture of her loveliness. He compares her to the sun, saying that her eyes are like "two bright stars" that shine with a radiance that outshines the sun itself. He also describes her hair as "threads of beaten gold" and her skin as "white as snow."
The speaker then goes on to say that he is "ravished" by her beauty, and that he is "enchanted" by her charms. He tells her that he is "lost" in her beauty, and that he is willing to do anything to be with her. He says that he would "dare the deadly smart" just to be near her, and that he would "brave the bitter cold" just to feel her warmth.
The second half of the sonnet takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker reflects on the nature of beauty and love. He says that beauty is like a flower that blooms and fades away, and that love is like a flame that burns bright and then dies out. He compares his love for his beloved to a flame that will never die, saying that it will burn forever in his heart.
The sonnet ends with the speaker addressing his beloved once again, telling her that he will love her forever. He says that his love for her is like a "sacred flame" that will never be extinguished, and that he will always be faithful to her. He ends the sonnet with the powerful declaration that his love for her is "endless" and "infinite."
The structure of Sonnet VII is typical of the sonnet form, with fourteen lines divided into two quatrains and two tercets. The rhyme scheme is ABAB BCBC CDCD EE, with each line written in iambic pentameter. This strict structure gives the sonnet a sense of order and balance, which is fitting for a poem that celebrates the beauty and perfection of love.
One of the most striking features of Sonnet VII is the use of vivid imagery to describe the speaker's beloved. Spenser uses a variety of metaphors and similes to paint a picture of her beauty, comparing her to the sun, stars, gold, and snow. This use of imagery not only makes the poem more beautiful and evocative, but it also helps to convey the intensity of the speaker's love for his beloved.
Another important theme in Sonnet VII is the idea of love as a flame that burns bright and then fades away. The speaker acknowledges that beauty is fleeting and that love is not always easy, but he also asserts that his love for his beloved will never die. This theme of enduring love is a common one in poetry, but Spenser's treatment of it is particularly powerful and moving.
Overall, Sonnet VII is a beautiful and timeless piece of poetry that celebrates the beauty and perfection of love. Through its use of vivid imagery and powerful language, it conveys the intensity of the speaker's love for his beloved, while also exploring the deeper themes of beauty, mortality, and enduring love. It is a testament to Spenser's skill as a poet, and a reminder of the enduring power of love and poetry.
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