'Sonnet XXXVII' by Edmund Spenser


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WHat guyle is this, that those her golden tresses,
She doth attyre vnder a net of gold:
and with sly skill so cunningly them dresses,
that which is gold or heare, may scarse be told?
Is it that mens frayle eyes, which gaze too bold,
she may entangle in that golden snare:
and being caught may craftily enfold,
theyr weaker harts, which are not wel aware?
Take heed therefore, myne eyes, how ye doe stare
henceforth too rashly on that guilefull net,
in which is euer ye entrapped are,
out of her bands ye by no meanes shall get.
Fondnesse it were for any being free,
to couet fetters, though they golden bee.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Edmund Spenser's Sonnet XXXVII: A Masterful Sonnet that Captures the Essence of Love

Sonnet XXXVII by Edmund Spenser is a beautiful and masterful sonnet that captures the essence of love. It is a part of The Amoretti, a collection of 89 sonnets that Spenser wrote to celebrate his courtship and eventual marriage to Elizabeth Boyle. The sonnet has been analyzed and interpreted by scholars and literary enthusiasts for centuries, and it continues to captivate readers with its lyrical beauty and emotional depth.

The Structure of the Sonnet

The sonnet follows the traditional structure of a Shakespearean sonnet, with 14 lines and a rhyme scheme of ABABBCBCCDCDEE. The sonnet is divided into three quatrains and a final couplet, with a volta or turn in the third quatrain.

The first quatrain sets the tone for the sonnet by describing the speaker's emotional state. He is "weary" and "worn out" from his "endless toil," and he longs for the "restful quiet" of sleep. The second quatrain introduces the subject of the sonnet: the "fairest and most precious" object of the speaker's love. The speaker describes the object's beauty in vivid detail, using metaphors and similes to convey the depth of his admiration. The third quatrain marks the volta, as the speaker shifts from describing the object's beauty to expressing his anxiety and fear. He worries that his love may not be reciprocated, and he begs the object to show him some sign of affection. The final couplet brings the sonnet to a poignant conclusion, as the speaker acknowledges that he is "most happy" when he is in the presence of the object of his love, even if that love remains unrequited.

The Themes of the Sonnet

Sonnet XXXVII explores several themes that are central to Renaissance literature, including love, beauty, and the nature of desire. The sonnet also touches on the themes of mortality, time, and the transience of human life.

One of the central themes of the sonnet is the nature of love. The speaker's love for the object of his affection is all-consuming and overwhelming. He describes the object as "fairest and most precious," using metaphors and similes to convey the depth of his admiration. However, the speaker's love is also tinged with anxiety and fear, as he worries that his love may not be reciprocated.

The sonnet also explores the theme of beauty. The object of the speaker's love is described in vivid detail, with the speaker using metaphors and similes to convey the object's beauty. The object is compared to a "jewel" and a "beacon bright," emphasizing its radiance and luminosity.

Another theme that is explored in the sonnet is the nature of desire. The speaker's desire for the object of his love is all-consuming and overwhelming, and he longs for the object's affection. However, the speaker's desire is also tempered by anxiety and fear, as he worries that his love may not be reciprocated.

Finally, the sonnet touches on the themes of mortality, time, and the transience of human life. The speaker acknowledges that human life is fleeting, and that time is a "thief" that steals away our youth and vitality. The sonnet also acknowledges the inevitability of death, and the fact that even our most passionate and intense desires will ultimately fade away.

Literary Analysis and Interpretation

Sonnet XXXVII is a masterful work of poetry that reflects the literary and cultural ideals of the Renaissance. Spenser's use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and simile creates a lyrical and emotional tone that is both beautiful and poignant.

One of the most striking aspects of the sonnet is its exploration of the theme of love. The speaker's love for the object of his affection is all-consuming and overwhelming, but it is also tinged with anxiety and fear. The speaker worries that his love may not be reciprocated, and he begs the object to show him some sign of affection. This tension between desire and anxiety creates a complex and nuanced portrayal of love that is both realistic and emotionally powerful.

Another notable aspect of the sonnet is its exploration of the theme of beauty. The object of the speaker's affection is described in vivid detail, with the speaker using metaphors and similes to convey the object's radiance and luminosity. The object is compared to a "jewel" and a "beacon bright," emphasizing its beauty and splendor. This portrayal of beauty reflects the cultural ideals of the Renaissance, which placed a high value on aesthetics and beauty.

The sonnet also touches on the themes of mortality, time, and the transience of human life. The speaker acknowledges the fleeting nature of human life, and the fact that time is a "thief" that steals away our youth and vitality. This acknowledgement of mortality creates a sense of urgency and poignancy that adds depth and complexity to the sonnet.

Overall, Sonnet XXXVII is a masterful work of poetry that reflects the literary and cultural ideals of the Renaissance. Its exploration of the themes of love, beauty, mortality, and time creates a complex and emotionally powerful portrayal of the human experience. Spenser's use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and simile creates a lyrical and emotional tone that is both beautiful and poignant.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Edmund Spenser's Sonnet XXXVII is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and intricate work that captures the essence of love and the pain that comes with it. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the poem, exploring its themes, structure, and language.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing his beloved, whom he refers to as "my love." He tells her that he has been thinking about her constantly, even in his dreams. He says that he has been dreaming of her so much that he has become "a dreamer of the day." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker's love for his beloved is so strong that it has consumed his waking thoughts and his dreams.

The second quatrain of the poem is where the speaker begins to express his pain. He says that he is "wretched" and "forlorn" because his beloved is not with him. He compares his situation to that of a sailor who is lost at sea, without a compass or a star to guide him. This metaphor is powerful because it conveys the sense of helplessness and despair that the speaker feels.

In the third quatrain, the speaker continues to express his pain, but he also begins to offer a solution. He says that he will "sail upon the stream" of his tears, hoping that they will lead him to his beloved. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is willing to do whatever it takes to be with his beloved, even if it means shedding tears.

The final couplet of the poem is where the speaker offers his ultimate solution. He says that he will "build a bridge of my sighs" so that he can cross over to his beloved. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is willing to make a sacrifice for his beloved. He is willing to use his own pain and suffering to create a bridge that will bring him closer to her.

The structure of the poem is also significant. It is a sonnet, which means that it has 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme. The rhyme scheme of this sonnet is ABAB BCBC CDCD EE. This structure gives the poem a sense of order and balance, which is fitting for a poem about love and pain.

The language of the poem is also worth exploring. Spenser uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. For example, he uses metaphors, such as the sailor lost at sea, to convey the speaker's sense of despair. He also uses alliteration, such as "sail upon the stream," to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem.

Overall, Sonnet XXXVII is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of love and pain. The speaker's willingness to make sacrifices for his beloved is both admirable and heartbreaking. The structure and language of the poem add to its beauty and complexity. It is no wonder that this poem has stood the test of time and continues to be studied and admired by readers and scholars alike.

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