Elizabethan Poetry: Spenser’s Faerie Queene and New Poetic Trends
Pre-Elizabethan Poetry
In the sixteenth century, one of the most important developments in Renaissance English literature was the evolution of the lyric poem, shaped in particular by English translations and adaptations of Italian verse, notably Petrarch.
New Metrical Forms
- The Sonnet: Popularized by Petrarch and brought to England by Wyatt and Surrey. It consists of three quatrains and a final couplet with the rhyme scheme: abab cdcd efef gg.
- The Blank Verse: Introduced by Surrey in his translation of the Aeneid. It is iambic pentameter without rhyme (an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one). This became a common form used by Shakespeare.
Petrarch’s Influence
- Themes of unattainable love, inner passionate love, pleasure and pain, and nature.
- The sonnet as an expression of frustrated desire in romantic, erotic, and political terms.
- The Queen’s courtiers often adopted the role of Petrarchan lovers, modeling loyal submission.
Tottel’s Miscellany
A collection of sonnets and lyrical poems, many by Wyatt and Surrey. Its popularity contributed to the rise of these new poetic forms.
Outstanding Features of Elizabethan Poetry
- Classical Influence (Virgil, Ovid, Homer): Emphasis on mimesis, the imitation of life.
- Musicality: Poetry was primarily meant to be heard and appreciated for its auditory qualities.
- Protestantism: The poet’s experience of writing was often seen as divinely inspired.
- The Poet as Maker: As seen in Philip Sidney’s Defence of Poetry, poets were viewed as creators with social and cultural influence.
- Poetry to Teach and Delight: Poetry served both didactic and entertainment purposes, particularly at court.
- Court Poetry: Poetry was largely produced and consumed within the courtly sphere.
Edmund Spenser
For Elizabethans, the text was more important than the author.
- Born in London and educated at Cambridge University, giving him a strong humanistic background.
- Served as secretary to the Lord Deputy in Ireland and wrote A View of the Present State of Ireland, a prose work reflecting his political observations.
- Known for his linguistic purity and the creation of two metrical forms: the Spenserian sonnet and the Spenserian stanza (nine iambic lines, rhyming ababbcbcc).
Introduction to The Faerie Queene
An epic poem with elements of Medieval and Renaissance romance, featuring knights, ladies, and allegorical interpretations.
- A political allegory symbolizing England and Queen Elizabeth.
- A moral and religious allegory championing Protestantism.
Characteristics of The Faerie Queene
- Twofold Aim: To promote moral virtue and establish English literature’s prominence.
- Idealized World: Influenced by Platonism and presenting virtues and vices allegorically.
- Structure: Planned as 12 books, but completed with six and fragments of a seventh. Each book focuses on a knight representing a virtue.
- Political Dimension: Glorifies Queen Elizabeth as Gloriana and incorporates contemporary politics.
- Stylistic Features: Written in Spenserian stanzas, employing alliteration and an elaborate style.
Book I
- Focuses on Redcrosse, representing the Christian quest for salvation.
- Key characters include Una (Truth) and Duessa (Deceit).
- Redcrosse ultimately becomes Saint George, defeating the dragon (evil) and achieving salvation.