'Sonnet LXXXV' by Edmund Spenser
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THe world that cannot deeme of worthy things,
when I doe praise her, say I doe but flatter:
so does the Cuckow, when the Mauis sings,
begin his witlesse note apace to clatter.
But they that skill not of so heauenly matter,
all that they know not, enuy or admyre,
rather then enuy let them wonder at her,
but not to deeme of her desert aspyre.
Deepe in the closet of my parts entyre,
her worth is written with a golden quill:
that me with heauenly fury doth inspire,
and my glad mouth with her sweet prayses fill.
Which when as fame in her shrill trump shal thunder
let the world chose to enuy or to wonder.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet LXXXV by Edmund Spenser: A Masterpiece of Love Poetry
When it comes to love poetry, few can match the elegance and depth of Edmund Spenser’s sonnets. Sonnet LXXXV is no exception. This exquisite piece of literature is a testament to Spenser’s mastery of language and his ability to express complex emotions with precision and beauty. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Sonnet LXXXV and shed light on its timeless significance.
Overview
Sonnet LXXXV is one of the 89 sonnets that Spenser wrote as part of his sequence of love poems, Amoretti. It was published in 1595 and is believed to have been written in honor of Spenser’s future wife, Elizabeth Boyle. The sonnet follows the conventional form of a Shakespearean sonnet, consisting of three quatrains and a couplet. It is written in iambic pentameter, with a rhyme scheme of abab bcbc cdcd ee.
Themes
At its core, Sonnet LXXXV is a love poem that explores the themes of time, beauty, and eternity. The poem begins with the speaker addressing his beloved, telling her that her beauty is like a lily that blooms and fades away. He then acknowledges the inevitability of time and how it will eventually take away her beauty. However, the speaker reassures his beloved that her beauty will last forever in his heart and in the poem he’s writing. He claims that the poem will immortalize her beauty and that future generations will read it and marvel at her beauty.
The central theme of the poem is the idea of immortalizing beauty through poetry. Spenser’s speaker argues that poetry has the power to transcend time and preserve the beauty of the beloved for eternity. This idea is common in love poetry, as poets often use their art to immortalize their beloveds. However, what sets Sonnet LXXXV apart is the way Spenser expresses this idea with such passion and intensity. The poem is not just about the power of poetry, but also about the speaker’s deep love and devotion for his beloved.
Structure
The structure of Sonnet LXXXV is a testament to Spenser’s skill as a poet. The poem is divided into three quatrains and a couplet. Each quatrain focuses on a different aspect of the speaker’s argument. The first quatrain establishes the speaker’s metaphor of the lily and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The second quatrain acknowledges the inevitability of time and how it will eventually take away the beloved’s beauty. The third quatrain introduces the idea of poetry as a means of immortalizing beauty. The couplet serves as a conclusion to the poem, emphasizing the power of poetry and the speaker’s love for his beloved.
The rhyme scheme of Sonnet LXXXV is also noteworthy. The abab bcbc cdcd ee rhyme scheme is known as the Spenserian rhyme scheme and was invented by Spenser himself. It is a variation of the Shakespearean rhyme scheme and is considered more challenging to use due to the interlocking rhyme pattern. Spenser’s use of this rhyme scheme demonstrates his mastery of language and his ability to create complex and nuanced poetry.
Language
Finally, the language of Sonnet LXXXV is truly exquisite. Spenser’s use of imagery and metaphor is particularly noteworthy. The comparison of the beloved’s beauty to a lily is a powerful metaphor that conveys both the fragility and the beauty of the beloved. The use of the word “prime” in the first line of the poem is also significant. It refers to the time when the lily is at its most beautiful and is a subtle reference to the beloved’s youth and vitality.
The use of the word “death” in the second quatrain is particularly striking. It serves as a reminder of the inevitability of time and the transience of beauty. However, the speaker’s use of the word “outface” in the same line is an example of Spenser’s skillful use of language. The word means “to surpass” or “to outdo,” and its use in this context suggests that the beloved’s beauty will outdo even death itself.
Finally, the couplet is a masterful example of Spenser’s ability to use language to convey emotion. The line “Yet read at last my love, not least in these” is a testament to the speaker’s love for his beloved. The use of the word “love” in this context emphasizes the depth and intensity of the speaker’s emotions. The final line, “Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,” is a powerful assertion of the immortalizing power of poetry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet LXXXV is a masterpiece of love poetry that explores the themes of time, beauty, and eternity. Spenser’s use of structure, language, and metaphor is truly remarkable, and his ability to convey complex emotions with precision and beauty is a testament to his mastery of language. The poem is a timeless work of literature that continues to inspire and captivate readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Edmund Spenser's Sonnet LXXXV 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 the sonnet form. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language used in this sonnet to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The sonnet begins with the speaker addressing his beloved, whom he refers to as his "love." He tells her that he has been thinking about her constantly, even in his dreams. He describes her as the "fairest creature" and says that she is the source of all his joy and happiness. This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the speaker's love for his beloved.
The second stanza of the sonnet is where the speaker begins to explore the theme of time. 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 inexorably towards the sea, and says that even the strongest things in the world will eventually be worn down by its force. This stanza serves as a reminder that the speaker's love for his beloved is fleeting, and that he must cherish every moment that they have together.
In the third stanza, the speaker returns to the theme of his love for his beloved. He says that his love is so strong that it can overcome even the power of time. He compares his love to a "rock of adamant," which is a reference to a mythical substance that was said to be indestructible. He says that his love is so strong that it can withstand the ravages of time and remain unchanged. This stanza is a testament to the power of love, and serves as a reminder that true love can endure even the most difficult of circumstances.
The fourth and final stanza of the sonnet is where the speaker brings all of the themes together. He says that even though time may eventually wear down his physical body, his love for his beloved will remain unchanged. He says that his love will continue to grow and flourish, even after he has passed away. He compares his love to a flame that burns brightly, even in the darkest of nights. This final stanza is a beautiful expression of the enduring power of love, and serves as a reminder that true love can transcend even death itself.
In terms of structure, Sonnet LXXXV follows the traditional form of a Shakespearean sonnet. It is composed of three quatrains and a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This structure allows Spenser to explore his themes in a structured and organized way, while also giving the sonnet a sense of symmetry and balance.
The language used in Sonnet LXXXV is rich and evocative. Spenser uses a variety of metaphors and similes to convey his ideas, and his use of language is both precise and poetic. For example, when he compares his love to a "rock of adamant," he is using a metaphor that is both powerful and memorable. Similarly, when he compares time to a river, he is using a simile that is both vivid and effective.
In conclusion, Sonnet LXXXV is a beautiful and timeless piece of poetry that explores the themes of love and time in a powerful and evocative way. Spenser's use of language and structure is masterful, and his ability to convey complex ideas in a concise and poetic way is truly impressive. This sonnet is a testament to the enduring power of love, and serves as a reminder that true love can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.
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