Edmund Spenser firstly published sonnet 75 in 1595, and it was devoted to his second wife, Elizabeth Boyle. The verse was a part of the book Amoretti and Epithalamion, which included love poems and a wedding song. In his work, Spenser presents a straightforward idea that love is immortal and nothing can ruin it.
The author uses different poetic techniques to address the topic that concerns him. Firstly, the metaphor of vain attempts to write his lover’s name in the sand represents the idea of everlasting love. Although there are various obstacles and challenges “came the tyde, and made my paynes his pray” (Grosart 35).
Secondly, his lover’s accusative tone underlines the fact that everything is this world will vanish at the end. However, the author protests against this idea and assures her that her name will stay forever in his verse. This is an example of allegory to represent the concept that even though our bodies are mortal, people can still be preserved in the world thanks to art and literature. It can be seen in the following lines: “our loue shall liue, and later life renew” (Grosart 36). Thus, these literature techniques show the reader the emotional filling of the poem and help understand the sonnet’s mood.
Summing up, the author devotes his poem to his young lover and explains to her that even some hassles can separate them, their love will stay immortal. The reason for everlasting feeling is his verse, which perpetuates his significant one in this world. The sonnet is well-shaped and touches upon timeless morals; thus, it has such an essential value in literature.
Work Cited
Grosart, Alexander. “Amoretti and Epithalamion”. The Complete
Works in Prose and Verse of Edmund Spenser. The University of Oregon, 1996. Web.