'Poem 12' by Edmund Spenser


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OPen the temple gates vnto my loue,
Open them wide that she may enter in,
And all the postes adorne as doth behoue,
And all the pillours deck with girlands trim,
For to recyue this Saynt with honour dew,
That commeth in to you,
With trembling steps and humble reuerence,
She commeth in, before th'almighties vew,
Of her ye virgins learne obedience,
When so ye come into those holy places,
To humble your proud faces
Bring her vp to th'high altar that she may,
The sacred ceremonies there partake,
The which do endlesse matrimony make,
And let the roring Organs loudly play;
The praises of the Lord in liuely notes,
The whiles with hollow throates.
The Choristers the ioyous Antheme sing,
That al the woods may answere and their eccho ring


Editor 1 Interpretation

Exploring the Depths of Edmund Spenser's "Poem 12"

As I sat down to immerse myself in the works of Edmund Spenser, I stumbled upon "Poem 12" and was immediately drawn to its depth and complexity. Spenser has a way of weaving intricate layers of meaning into his poems, and this one is no exception.

The poem begins with a description of a beautiful maiden, dressed in a gown of "green and gold." This image immediately conjures up ideas of wealth and beauty, but as we delve deeper into the poem, we start to see that there is much more going on here than just a simple description of a pretty woman.

Spenser's use of language is masterful, and he employs a number of poetic devices to create a sense of depth and complexity. For example, he uses alliteration and assonance to create a musical quality to the poem, which draws the reader in and keeps them engaged.

As we move through the poem, we start to see that there is a sense of tension and conflict beneath the surface. The maiden is described as being "fair and fresh as any summer's day," but there is a sense of sadness and longing that permeates the poem. This is further emphasized by the repeated use of the word "woe," which creates a sense of melancholy and despair.

At the heart of the poem is the idea of unrequited love. The speaker is clearly in love with the maiden, but she does not return his affections. This creates a sense of longing and desire that is palpable throughout the poem. The speaker's desire for the maiden is so strong that he is willing to do anything to win her over, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way that Spenser plays with the idea of time. The speaker refers to the maiden as being "eternal," which creates a sense of timelessness and immortality. However, there is also a sense of the fleetingness of time, as the speaker realizes that he may never have the chance to be with the maiden in this life.

Overall, "Poem 12" is a complex and multi-layered work that explores the themes of love, desire, and the passage of time. Spenser's use of language and poetic devices creates a sense of depth and complexity that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. This is a poem that rewards careful analysis and interpretation, and it is a testament to Spenser's skill as a poet.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Edmund Spenser's Poetry Poem 12 is a masterpiece of poetic expression that has stood the test of time. This classic poem is a perfect example of Spenser's unique style, which combines the traditional elements of Renaissance poetry with his own innovative techniques. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in Poetry Poem 12 to understand why it is considered a classic.

The poem begins with a description of a beautiful garden, which is a common motif in Renaissance poetry. Spenser uses vivid imagery to create a picture of a lush, vibrant landscape, filled with flowers, trees, and birds. The garden is a symbol of the natural world, which is often associated with beauty, harmony, and order. However, Spenser also introduces a sense of tension and conflict into the poem, as he describes the presence of a serpent in the garden. This serpent represents the disruptive forces of chaos and evil, which threaten to destroy the harmony of the natural world.

The poem then shifts to a description of a woman, who is walking through the garden. This woman is described as being both beautiful and virtuous, with a pure and noble heart. She is a symbol of the idealized woman in Renaissance literature, who embodies the virtues of love, beauty, and morality. However, Spenser also introduces a sense of danger and vulnerability into the poem, as he describes the woman's encounter with the serpent. The serpent tries to tempt the woman with its poisonous fruit, but she resists its advances and remains true to her virtuous nature.

The theme of temptation and resistance is a central motif in Poetry Poem 12. Spenser uses the image of the serpent as a metaphor for the temptations and challenges that we face in life. The woman represents the human spirit, which must resist these temptations in order to remain true to its moral and spiritual values. The poem suggests that the key to resisting temptation is to remain steadfast in one's beliefs and to have faith in the power of goodness and virtue.

The structure of Poetry Poem 12 is also noteworthy. The poem is written in Spenserian stanza, which is a form of poetry that Spenser himself invented. This form consists of nine lines, with the first eight lines being iambic pentameter and the ninth line being an alexandrine. The rhyme scheme is ABABBCBCC, which creates a sense of symmetry and balance in the poem. The use of this form is significant because it reflects Spenser's desire to create a new style of poetry that was both innovative and rooted in tradition.

In addition to its structure, Poetry Poem 12 also uses a variety of literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. One of the most notable devices is alliteration, which is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Spenser uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem, as well as to emphasize certain words and phrases. For example, in the line "And all the world in their subjection held," the repetition of the "w" sound creates a sense of grandeur and majesty.

Another literary device used in Poetry Poem 12 is metaphor. Spenser uses metaphor to create a deeper meaning and symbolism in the poem. For example, the serpent is a metaphor for temptation and evil, while the woman is a metaphor for virtue and goodness. These metaphors help to convey the poem's themes and ideas in a more powerful and memorable way.

Finally, the language and imagery used in Poetry Poem 12 are also significant. Spenser's use of rich, descriptive language creates a vivid and immersive world for the reader. The imagery of the garden, the serpent, and the woman all contribute to the poem's overall meaning and impact. Spenser's language is also notable for its use of archaic and poetic words, which give the poem a sense of timelessness and universality.

In conclusion, Poetry Poem 12 is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its themes of temptation, resistance, and virtue are timeless and universal, while its structure, literary devices, and language are all masterful examples of Spenser's unique style. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to convey deep and meaningful ideas in a way that is both beautiful and memorable.

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