'Poem 17' by Edmund Spenser
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Now ceasse ye damsels your delights forepast,
Enough is it, that all the day was youres:
Now day is doen, and night is nighing fast:
Now bring the Bryde into the brydall boures.
Now night is come, now soone her disaray,
And in her bed her lay;
Lay her in lillies and in violets,
And silken courteins ouer her display,
And odourd sheetes, and Arras couerlets,
Behold how goodly my faire loue does ly
In proud humility;
Like vnto Maia, when as Ioue her tooke,
In Tempe, lying on the flowry gras,
Twixt sleepe and wake, after she weary was,
With bathing in the Acidalian brooke
Now it is night, ye damsels may be gon,
And leaue my loue alone,
And leaue likewise your former lay to sing:
The woods no more shal answere, nor your echo ring
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Poem 17 by Edmund Spenser: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Edmund Spenser, a 16th-century English poet, is known for his contributions to the English Renaissance poetry. Among his most famous works is the collection of sonnets titled Amoretti, of which the 17th poem stands out for its complex use of literary devices and themes. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a deep dive into the poem's structure, language, and meaning to uncover the underlying messages and themes.
Structure and Form
The poem follows the classic sonnet form, consisting of fourteen lines in iambic pentameter. It is divided into three quatrains and a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB BCBC CDCD EE. The use of this form and structure was a common practice among Renaissance poets, as it allowed for the expression of complex ideas and emotions in a structured and unified manner.
However, what sets this sonnet apart is its unusual use of enjambment, where a line or phrase runs over into the next line without punctuation. This technique creates a sense of fluidity and continuity, connecting one idea to the next and creating a sense of progression throughout the poem. For example, in lines 3-4, "Love is not love, that alters when it alteration finds, / Or bends with the remover to remove" - the enjambment of "alters" into the next line creates a sense of momentum and emphasizes the idea that true love should be constant and unchanging.
Moreover, the poem's structure is marked by a shift in tone and theme in the final couplet. The first twelve lines describe what love is not, while the final two lines present what love is. This shift in perspective and tone is a common technique used by poets to surprise and engage their readers, and it is particularly effective in this poem.
Language and Imagery
The language used in this sonnet is rich and full of metaphors and allusions that serve to convey the poem's central themes. The opening line, "Love, that doth reign and live within my thought," sets the tone for the poem, in which love is portrayed as an all-consuming force that dominates the speaker's mind and heart. The use of the word "reign" connotes power and control, emphasizing the idea that love is a force to be reckoned with.
Throughout the poem, Spenser employs a plethora of metaphors and comparisons to describe the nature of love. In lines 5-6, he compares love to a "fixed mark / That looks on tempests and is never shaken." This simile portrays love as a constant and unchanging force that remains steadfast in the face of adversity. Similarly, in lines 9-10, he compares love to a star that guides the wandering ship - a metaphor that suggests love provides direction and purpose in life.
Spenser also uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the different types of love. In lines 7-8, he describes the love that "looks on tempests and is never shaken" as "it is the star to every wand'ring bark." The image of a star guiding a ship through a stormy sea creates a sense of safety and stability, as well as a sense of hope in the face of adversity.
Themes
The central theme of this sonnet is the nature of love and what it means to truly love someone. The poem explores the various forms of love, including infatuation, obsession, and true love, and argues that only true love can withstand the test of time and adversity. The poem suggests that true love is unchanging, steadfast, and provides guidance and purpose in life.
Another important theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of the importance of constancy and steadfastness in relationships. The poem argues that true love should not be swayed by external forces or circumstances, but rather remain constant and unchanging. The use of the image of a fixed mark and a star as metaphors for love emphasizes this idea, as both suggest a sense of permanence and stability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Poetry, Poem 17 by Edmund Spenser is a complex and richly textured sonnet that explores the nature of love and what it means to truly love someone. Through the use of literary devices such as enjambment, metaphor, and vivid imagery, Spenser paints a picture of the different forms of love and argues that only true love can withstand the test of time and adversity. The poem's themes of constancy and steadfastness emphasize the importance of maintaining strong and unchanging relationships. As a result, the poem has endured as a classic of English Renaissance poetry and remains a powerful and poignant exploration of the human experience of love.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Poem 17 by Edmund Spenser is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This poem is a sonnet, which is a type of poem that consists of 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme. Spenser’s sonnet is written in the form of a love poem, and it is considered one of his most famous works.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, telling her that her beauty is beyond compare. He compares her to various natural elements such as coral, snow, and roses, but ultimately concludes that she is more beautiful than any of these things. The speaker then goes on to describe how he feels when he is with his lover, saying that he is filled with joy and happiness.
The second half of the poem takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker reflects on the nature of love and beauty. He says that love is not something that can be measured or quantified, but rather it is a feeling that exists within the heart. The speaker also suggests that beauty is not something that can be possessed or owned, but rather it is something that is shared and appreciated.
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is the way in which Spenser uses language to create vivid and powerful imagery. The use of metaphors and similes throughout the poem helps to paint a picture of the speaker’s lover as a truly remarkable and beautiful person. For example, when the speaker compares his lover to coral, he is suggesting that she is rare and precious, just like a piece of coral found in the ocean.
Another notable feature of this poem is the way in which Spenser uses the sonnet form to convey his message. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB BCBC CDCD EE, which is a common structure for sonnets. This structure helps to create a sense of order and symmetry within the poem, which is fitting given the subject matter of love and beauty.
Overall, Poetry Poem 17 by Edmund Spenser is a beautiful and timeless piece of literature that continues to captivate readers to this day. The poem’s use of language and imagery is truly remarkable, and it serves as a testament to the power of love and beauty. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply appreciate great literature, this poem is definitely worth reading and reflecting upon.
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