'Sonnet LIX' by Edmund Spenser
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THrise happie she, that is so well assured
Vnto her selfe and setled so in hart:
that nether will for better be allured,
ne feard with worse to any chaunce to start,
But like a steddy ship doth strongly part
the raging waues and keepes her course aright:
ne ought for tempest doth from it depart,
ne ought for fayrer weathers false delight.
Such selfe assurance need not feare the spight,
of grudging foes, ne fauour seek of friends:
but in the stay of her owne stedfast might,
nether to one her selfe nor other bends.
Most happy she that most assured doth rest,
but he most happy who such one loues best.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into the Enchanting Sonnet LIX by Edmund Spenser
Are you a fan of poetry? If yes, then you must know about the Renaissance poet Edmund Spenser and his most famous work, The Faerie Queene. But have you ever read his sonnets? They are equally enchanting, and today we are going to explore one of his most beautiful sonnets, Sonnet LIX.
But before we dive into the interpretation of the poem, let's have a brief background of the poet and his era.
Edmund Spenser was an English poet who lived during the Elizabethan era. He was born in London in 1552, and his most famous work, The Faerie Queene, was published in 1590. Spenser was a master of the English language, and his writings, especially his sonnets, are considered one of the best works in the English literary canon.
Now, let's focus on Sonnet LIX.
Thrise happie she, that is so well assured
Unto her selfe and setled so in hart:
That nether will for better be allured,
Ne feard with worse to any chaunce to start,
But like a steddy ship doth strongly part
The raging waves, and knoweth nauies nere:
Hirdrift is sayling, and her helme doth hart,
And to her purpose she doth make her stere,
The windes soot her, and she doth skorne to fere.
This sonnet is about a woman, who the poet calls "thrise happie," meaning extremely happy. The woman is well-assured of herself, and her heart is settled. She is not tempted by anything better than what she already has, nor is she afraid to face any challenges that may come her way. The speaker further compares her to a steady ship that can navigate through raging waves without fear. She knows her goal and is determined to reach it, regardless of what obstacles come in her way. Even the wind supports her, and she scorns fear.
The first thing that strikes me about this sonnet is the use of language. Spenser's language is not only beautiful but also complex. He uses archaic words like "hart" (heart) and "nere" (near) which are not commonly used today. This usage of archaic language gives a sense of the time period in which this sonnet was written and adds to the overall beauty of the poem.
The sonnet is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter used in sonnets. This meter creates a rhythmic and musical quality that flows well with the sonnet's theme of steadiness and calmness. The sonnet follows the traditional rhyme scheme of ABAB BCBC CDCD EE, which is typical of the Shakespearean sonnet.
Moving on to the interpretation of the poem, the central theme seems to be that of self-assurance and determination. The woman in the sonnet is confident in herself and her abilities. She is not swayed by external factors such as money, power, or status. Instead, she is content with what she has and is determined to make the most of it.
The use of the ship metaphor further emphasizes this theme of determination. A ship is often used as a symbol of journey and adventure, and in this sonnet, it represents the woman's journey towards her goal. She is determined to reach her destination, and nothing can stop her. The metaphor of the ship also brings to mind the idea of the sea, which is vast and unpredictable. The fact that the woman can navigate through the sea without fear shows her strength and resilience.
Another interesting aspect of this sonnet is the use of the wind as a symbol. The wind is often seen as unpredictable and uncontrollable, and yet in this sonnet, it supports the woman. This can be interpreted as a sign that the woman's determination and self-assurance have earned her the support of the universe. It also shows that even the most unpredictable things can work in our favor if we are steadfast in our beliefs.
In conclusion, Sonnet LIX by Edmund Spenser is a beautiful poem that celebrates the virtues of self-assurance and determination. The use of language and metaphors adds to the sonnet's overall beauty, and the theme of the poem is still relevant today. It reminds us that we should be content with what we have and be determined to achieve our goals, regardless of what obstacles come in our way. So the next time you feel lost or uncertain, remember the woman in this sonnet, and be like a steady ship that can navigate through the raging waves with ease.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Edmund Spenser's Sonnet LIX is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and intricate work that showcases the poet's mastery of language and his ability to convey complex emotions through his words. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and structure of this sonnet, exploring its themes and the techniques used by Spenser to create a work of art that continues to captivate readers to this day.
The sonnet begins with a question, "Thrise happie she, that is so well assured." The speaker is addressing a woman, whom he describes as "thrice happy" because she is so confident in her love. The use of the word "thrice" emphasizes the speaker's admiration for the woman's certainty and suggests that her happiness is more than just a fleeting emotion. The speaker goes on to describe the woman's lover, who is "as happie as he is assured." This line suggests that the woman's happiness is not just a result of her own confidence, but also the reciprocation of her lover's feelings.
The second quatrain of the sonnet shifts the focus to the speaker's own feelings. He describes himself as "wretched" and "unhappy," contrasting his own emotional state with the happiness of the woman he admires. The use of the word "wretched" suggests a deep sense of despair and hopelessness, while "unhappy" is a more general term that could refer to any negative emotion. The contrast between the speaker's feelings and those of the woman he admires creates a sense of tension and longing that runs throughout the sonnet.
The third quatrain of the sonnet introduces a new element, as the speaker describes a "third" person who is also in love. This person is described as being "twice as happie as both they," suggesting that their love is even more intense and fulfilling than that of the woman and her lover. The use of the word "twice" emphasizes the intensity of this love, while the fact that it is introduced as a third element creates a sense of complexity and depth to the poem.
The final couplet of the sonnet brings all of these elements together, as the speaker reflects on his own situation. He acknowledges that he is "wretched" and "unhappy," but also recognizes that his love is "more than theirs." This line suggests that the speaker's love is more intense and passionate than that of the woman and her lover, despite his own feelings of despair. The final line of the sonnet, "Which though it change, yet it doth not remove," suggests that the speaker's love is enduring and will not be diminished by any external factors.
One of the most striking aspects of Sonnet LIX is its structure. The poem is written in the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, with three quatrains and a final couplet. However, Spenser uses this form in a unique way, introducing a third element in the third quatrain that creates a sense of complexity and depth to the poem. This structure allows Spenser to explore multiple themes and emotions within the confines of a single sonnet, creating a work of art that is both intricate and cohesive.
Another notable aspect of Sonnet LIX is its use of language. Spenser's words are carefully chosen and arranged to create a sense of rhythm and flow that adds to the poem's emotional impact. The use of alliteration and assonance, such as "Thrise happie she" and "more than theirs," creates a musical quality to the poem that enhances its beauty and elegance. Spenser also uses imagery to great effect, such as the contrast between the "wretched" speaker and the "thrice happy" woman, to create a sense of tension and longing that runs throughout the sonnet.
In terms of themes, Sonnet LIX explores the complex nature of love and the emotions that it can evoke. The poem contrasts the happiness of the woman and her lover with the despair of the speaker, creating a sense of tension and longing that reflects the complexity of human emotions. The introduction of a third element in the third quatrain adds a sense of depth and complexity to the poem, suggesting that love is not a simple emotion but rather a complex interplay of feelings and desires.
In conclusion, Edmund Spenser's Sonnet LIX is a beautiful and intricate work of poetry that explores the complex nature of love and the emotions that it can evoke. The poem's structure, language, and imagery all work together to create a work of art that is both elegant and emotionally powerful. Spenser's mastery of language and his ability to convey complex emotions through his words make this sonnet a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers to this day.
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