Elements of Renaissance in Edmund Spenser

 

The Renaissance was a period of profound cultural and intellectual transformation in Europe, spanning roughly from the 14th to the 17th century. Edmund Spenser, an English poet of the late 16th century, is celebrated as one of the most significant figures of the Renaissance. His poetry, particularly exemplified in works such as "The Faerie Queene" and "Epithalamion and Prothalamion vividly reflects the core elements of this era. Edmund Spenser was one of the most remarkable poet of the Elizabethan age. He was called as a “Poet’s Poet” by Charles Lamb and also known as a Protestant poet.

He was highly influenced by the classical Greeks and Roman writers like Homer and Virgil. He captured the spirit of Renaissance and Humanism and hence he can be considered as a Renaissance poet. Spenser was heavily influenced by the classical writers. He imitated and refashioned their style and sublimity. His famous work “The Faerie Queene” draws many classical allusions which gives a new taste in his work. The classical elements interpolated within the story and is filled with supernatural elements which gives an atmosphere of ideal world. There are stories within a story and every story connects to the other stories that shrouds the themes of conflict between evil and good as well moral structures. He captured the medieval spirit of the Knights and represented courtly love, chivalry, holiness and honor in his epic.

Spenser also projected the contemporary spirit of Reformation in England. Reformation was the ultimate result of King Henry VIII breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church. It sought to diminish the immoral practices of the Church and shows the new rise of Protestant Church. “The Faerie Queene” in Book 1 shows the spirit of Reformation where King Arthur is an allegory of Spenser himself and fought the dragon, an allegory of Catholic Church or Pope at the end. Hence the Book clearly shows the rise of Protestantism during the age.

The important writing style he adapted was the allegory. An allegory is a device which consists of moral lessons where the characters are given an abstract moral qualities. “The Faerie Queene” is an allegory where the characters represent different aspects of moral quality. King Arthur represents Honor, Sir Guyon represents Temperance , Britomart represents Chastity , Cambell and Telamond represents Friendship , Sir Artegall represents Justice and Sir Calidore represents Courtesy.

 

Humanism, a central point of the Renaissance, emphasized the study of classical literature, history, and philosophy and deep rooted in rationality. As the term itself suggests it is grounded on human nature and experience. Spenser's poetry reflects a profound engagement with classical learning. "The Faerie Queene," for instance, draws extensively on classical epic traditions, integrating elements from works like Virgil's "Aeneid." Spenser's use of classical allegory and mythology demonstrates his commitment to the humanist ideals of knowledge and cultural continuity. The Epithalamion, Prothalamion and all the sonnet sequences in Amoretti deal with all areas of human nature and experience including the emotion of love (physical and spiritual), the concept of beauty, passage of time and the role of nature.

 Petrarchan and Spenserian Sonnets: The sonnet, originating in Italy, gained prominence during the Renaissance. Spenser, influenced by Petrarchan conventions, wrote sonnets that adhered to the rhyme scheme of the Italian form. His "Amoretti" sequence, inspired by Petrarch's sonnets, explores themes of love, passion, and unattainable beauty. Additionally, Spenser innovatively introduced the Spenserian sonnet, combining elements of the Petrarchan and Shakespearean forms, demonstrating his willingness to experiment with poetic structures within the broader Renaissance tradition.

 Neoplatonism and Idealized Love: The Renaissance witnessed a revival of interest in Neoplatonic philosophy, particularly its emphasis on the ascent towards divine beauty. Spenser's portrayal of idealized love, as seen in "Amoretti" and "Epithalamion," reflects Neoplatonic influences. The beloved becomes a symbol of transcendent beauty.

Rich Imagery and Aesthetics: Renaissance poets, inspired by the revival of classical aesthetics, placed a significant emphasis on rich and vivid imagery. Spenser's poetry is replete with lush descriptions and sensory details, creating a tapestry of images that engage the reader's imagination. His meticulous attention to the aesthetic qualities of language echoes the Renaissance commitment to the beauty of expression.

Hence, the poetry of Edmund Spenser is a testament to the Renaissance spirit, encapsulating humanist ideals, allegorical complexity, engagement with classical traditions, and a profound exploration of love and beauty. Through his innovative use of literary forms and incorporation of diverse influences, Spenser not only contributed to the literary landscape of his time but also left an enduring legacy that continues to be celebrated for its Renaissance richness and depth.