'Sonnet LXIX' by Edmund Spenser
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THe famous warriors of the anticke world,
Vsed Trophees to erect in stately wize:
in which they would the records haue enrold,
of theyr great deeds and valarous emprize.
What trophee then shall I most fit deuize,
in which I may record the memory
of my loues conquest, peerelesse beauties prise,
adorn'd with honour, loue, and chastity.
Euen this verse vowd to eternity,
shall be thereof immortall moniment:
and tell her prayse to all posterity,
that may admire such worlds rare wonderment.
The happy purchase of my glorious spoile,
gotten at last with labour and long toyle.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet LXIX by Edmund Spenser
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? This sonnet by Edmund Spenser is a masterpiece that captures the essence of love and desire in just 14 lines. As I read and reread this poem, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the depth of emotion conveyed in such a short space. So, let's dive in and explore this poem together.
The First Quatrain
"Most glorious Lord of life, that on this day
Didst make thy triumph over death and sin,
And having harrowed hell, didst bring away
Captivity thence captive, us to win,"
The first quatrain of this sonnet is a powerful invocation to God. Spenser addresses God as the "Most glorious Lord of life". This is a bold and reverent way to begin a poem about love, and sets the tone for the rest of the sonnet. Here, Spenser is not just calling on God to bless his poem, but he is acknowledging God's power over death and sin. This is significant because it underscores the idea that love is a force that can triumph over even the most powerful of enemies.
Spenser goes on to mention how God "harrowed hell" and brought away "captivity thence captive". This is a reference to the Christian belief in Christ's descent into hell after his crucifixion. By doing this, Christ was able to free the souls of the righteous who had died before his resurrection. Spenser uses this imagery to reinforce the idea that love is a powerful force that can conquer even death itself.
The Second Quatrain
"That thou hast paid thy ransom; and hast ransacked
The vaults of death; and, to redeem our loss,
Hast paid the price of everlasting cost,
And made a way for everlasting life."
In the second quatrain, Spenser continues to praise God for his power over death and sin. He mentions how God has "paid thy ransom" and "ransacked the vaults of death". This is a powerful image that speaks to the idea that love is a force that can overcome even the most insurmountable obstacles.
Spenser also mentions how God has "paid the price of everlasting cost". This is a reference to the Christian belief that Christ's sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate price paid for the redemption of humanity. This idea of sacrifice is important because it underscores the idea that love is not just a feeling, but a commitment to something greater than oneself.
Finally, Spenser mentions how God has "made a way for everlasting life". This is a reference to the Christian belief in eternal life after death. Spenser is suggesting that love is a force that can transcend even death itself, and that through love, we can achieve a kind of immortality.
The Third Quatrain
"That day, the same day did the devil's power
And place of darkness' throne in vain assay
Assembled on a hill, where he him thought
That day's proud course he might have overthrown."
In the third quatrain, Spenser shifts his focus from God to the devil. He mentions how the devil's power was in vain on the day of Christ's resurrection. This is significant because it underscores the idea that love is a force that can triumph over evil.
Spenser also mentions how the devil assembled on a hill, where he thought he could overthrow the course of the day. This is a reference to the Christian belief that Christ was crucified on a hill called Calvary. Spenser is suggesting that even the devil's most cunning plans can be overcome by the power of love.
The Final Couplet
"But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;"
In the final couplet, Spenser brings the focus back to the theme of love. He suggests that love is eternal, and that it will never fade away. This idea of eternal love is a recurring theme in literature, and Spenser expresses it beautifully here.
Spenser also mentions how love will never lose possession of that which it owes. This is a reference to the idea that love is a debt that must be repaid. By suggesting that love will never lose possession of what it owes, Spenser is emphasizing the idea that love is a powerful force that can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet LXIX by Edmund Spenser is a powerful poem that captures the essence of love and desire. Through his use of religious imagery and references, Spenser suggests that love is a force that can triumph over even the most powerful of enemies, including death and the devil. His use of language is masterful, and his ability to convey complex ideas in just 14 lines is truly impressive. This poem is a testament to the power of love, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love can be a beacon of hope and light.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Edmund Spenser's Sonnet LXIX is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and intricate work that explores the themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and structure of this sonnet, and explore the ways in which Spenser uses language and imagery to convey his message.
The sonnet begins with the speaker addressing his beloved, whom he describes as "the fairest and most precious jewel." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker goes on to describe the beauty and perfection of his beloved. He compares her to various natural wonders, such as the sun, the moon, and the stars, and declares that she is even more beautiful than these celestial bodies.
The second quatrain of the sonnet shifts the focus from the beloved's beauty to the passage of time. The speaker laments that even though his beloved is so beautiful, she is still subject to the ravages of time. He describes how her beauty will eventually fade, and how she will become old and wrinkled. This is a common theme in Renaissance poetry, as writers often explored the idea of the transience of beauty and the inevitability of death.
The third quatrain of the sonnet takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker reflects on the nature of beauty itself. He questions whether beauty is truly valuable, or whether it is simply a fleeting illusion. He wonders whether his beloved's beauty is really worth anything, if it will eventually fade away. This is a deep and thought-provoking question, and it shows Spenser's skill as a poet and a philosopher.
The final couplet of the sonnet brings the poem to a close, as the speaker resolves his internal conflict. He declares that even though his beloved's beauty will eventually fade, he will still love her just as much. He says that her inner beauty and her virtues are more important than her physical appearance, and that he will continue to love her even when she is old and gray.
One of the most striking things about Sonnet LXIX is its use of language and imagery. Spenser employs a wide range of metaphors and similes to describe his beloved's beauty, comparing her to everything from the sun to a rose. This creates a vivid and evocative picture in the reader's mind, and helps to convey the intensity of the speaker's love.
Another notable feature of the sonnet is its structure. Like most sonnets, it is composed of three quatrains and a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, and helps to emphasize the contrast between the first two quatrains (which focus on the beloved's beauty) and the final two quatrains (which explore the themes of time and mortality).
Overall, Sonnet LXIX is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of poetry that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. It is a testament to Spenser's skill as a poet, and to the enduring power of the sonnet form. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply a curious reader, this sonnet is well worth your time and attention.
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