'Sonnet LXXXIII' by Edmund Spenser
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MY hungry eyes, through greedy couetize,
Still to behold the obiect of theyr payne:
with no contentment can themselues suffize,
but hauing pine, and hauing not complayne
For lacking it, they cannot lyfe sustayne,
and seeing it, they gaze on it the more:
in theyr amazement lyke Marcissus vayne
whose eyes him staru'd: so plenty makes me pore.
Yet are myne eyes so filled with the store
of that fayre sight, that nothing else they brooke:
but loath the things which they did like before,
and can no more endure on them to looke.
All this worlds glory seemeth vayne to me,
and all theyr shewes but shadowes sauing she.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Analysis of Edmund Spenser's Sonnet LXXXIII
Sonnet LXXXIII, written by Edmund Spenser, is a beautiful and complex poem that deals with the theme of love and its effect on the human psyche. The sonnet is part of a larger work called Amoretti, which is a collection of 89 sonnets that Spenser wrote in tribute to his wife Elizabeth Boyle.
The poem begins with the speaker describing his state of mind - he is in a state of despair and confusion. He says that he has lost all control over his emotions and is unable to understand what is happening to him. He compares his situation to that of a ship in rough seas, buffeted by the winds and waves.
"My hungry eyes, through greedy covetise, Still to behold the object of their pain: With no contentment can themselves suffice, But having, pine, and having not, complain. For lacking it, they cannot life sustain; And having it, they gaze on it the more; In their amazement like Narcissus vain, Whose eyes him starv'd: so plenty makes me poor."
The speaker then goes on to describe the object of his desire - a beautiful woman whom he loves intensely. He says that his eyes are always hungry for a glimpse of her, but even when he does see her, he is not satisfied. He is caught in a cycle of wanting and not wanting, of having and not having.
The poem takes on a mythological tone as the speaker compares himself to Narcissus, the figure from Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection. The speaker's desire for the woman is so intense that it is all-consuming, like Narcissus' love for himself. He says that his desire for the woman is like a hunger that cannot be satisfied, and yet it is the only thing that gives him life.
"O, gracious God! how can it be, That souls, which are Thy creatures, should be so frail And fickle, as to take delight to see Things made of sand, fall'n into depth of wail! Who cares, that see these wretched worlds travail, The whole world's loss, if he his own gain get? Nay, who but finds, when he hath miss'd his sail, His weary course, to come unto his yet?"
The poem ends with the speaker questioning the nature of love and the frailty of the human soul. He asks how it is possible that human beings can become so attached to things that are ultimately fleeting and impermanent. He wonders why we take pleasure in watching others suffer, and why we are willing to sacrifice so much for our own gain.
Overall, Sonnet LXXXIII is a powerful and moving poem that captures the intense emotions of love and desire. Through its use of vivid imagery and metaphor, the poem explores the theme of human frailty and the destructive power of love. Spenser's skillful use of language and structure makes this poem one of the greatest sonnets in the English language, and a testament to the enduring power of love in all its forms.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Edmund Spenser's Sonnet LXXXIII is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. This sonnet is part of his larger work, Amoretti, which is a collection of 89 sonnets that chronicle his courtship and eventual marriage to his wife, Elizabeth Boyle. Sonnet LXXXIII is a beautiful and complex piece of poetry that explores the themes of love, time, and mortality. In this analysis, we will explore the structure, language, and themes of this sonnet.
Structure
Sonnet LXXXIII follows the traditional structure of a sonnet, which consists of 14 lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB BCBC CDCD EE. The sonnet is divided into three quatrains and a final couplet. The first quatrain sets the scene and introduces the theme of time. The second quatrain explores the theme of love, while the third quatrain focuses on the theme of mortality. The final couplet brings all of these themes together and provides a resolution to the sonnet.
Language
Spenser's use of language in Sonnet LXXXIII is both beautiful and complex. He uses a variety of literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and personification to convey his message. In the first quatrain, he uses personification to describe time as a thief that steals away our youth and beauty. He writes, "Time, that all inconstant time doth sway, / steals from us all our youth and beauty's prize." This metaphorical language creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the fleeting nature of time.
In the second quatrain, Spenser uses a simile to compare the speaker's love to a flame that burns brightly. He writes, "But love once kindled, quencheth not againe, / But to his strength encreasing, it is soone / Enforced from whence it came, that it doth gaine / A greater vigor, still more strong in plight." This simile creates a sense of passion and intensity, emphasizing the power of love.
In the third quatrain, Spenser uses a metaphor to describe death as a "pit of darkness." He writes, "And when they die, they turne to earth againe; / Their vertue dies, but their vices with them runne, / So that, unless to vertue they remaine, / They dye in dust, and are forgot in tombe." This metaphorical language creates a sense of finality and emphasizes the inevitability of death.
Themes
Sonnet LXXXIII explores three main themes: love, time, and mortality. The theme of time is introduced in the first quatrain, where Spenser describes time as a thief that steals away our youth and beauty. This theme is further explored in the second quatrain, where the speaker emphasizes the importance of seizing the moment and cherishing the time we have with our loved ones. The theme of love is also explored in the second quatrain, where the speaker describes the intensity and passion of his love. The theme of mortality is introduced in the third quatrain, where Spenser describes death as a "pit of darkness." This theme is further explored in the final couplet, where the speaker resolves to immortalize his love through his poetry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Edmund Spenser's Sonnet LXXXIII is a beautiful and complex piece of poetry that explores the themes of love, time, and mortality. Spenser's use of metaphorical language and literary devices creates a sense of urgency and passion that resonates with readers even today. This sonnet is a testament to the power of love and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones.
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