Sonnet XLVII by Edmund Spenser is part of his celebrated sonnet sequenceAmoretti, which was published in 1595. TheAmorettisonnets chronicle the poet’s courtship of his beloved, Elizabeth Boyle, blending themes of love, devotion, spiritual unity, and poetic beauty. In Sonnet XLVII, Spenser explores the theme of mutual nourishment between the body and the soul, presenting love as a bond that sustains and elevates both the physical and spiritual aspects of human existence. The poem demonstrates Spenser’s mastery of language, his use of intricate poetic devices, and his ability to weave together sensual imagery with moral and spiritual meaning.
Context of Sonnet XLVII
Edmund Spenser was one of the most important poets of the Elizabethan era, best known for his epic poemThe Faerie Queeneand his love sonnets inAmoretti. The sonnets were addressed to Elizabeth Boyle, whom he eventually married. In Sonnet XLVII, Spenser moves beyond mere flattery or physical admiration, delving into the concept of love as a form of mutual sustenance, where each partner nurtures the other’s well-being.
The Structure of the Poem
Spenser follows the traditional English sonnet form, sometimes referred to as the Spenserian sonnet, which features three interlinked quatrains followed by a final couplet. The rhyme scheme isabab bcbc cdcd ee, creating a flowing musicality that enhances the poem’s meditative tone. The interlocking rhymes mirror the interconnectedness of body and soul described in the sonnet.
Themes in Sonnet XLVII
Spenser’s Sonnet XLVII touches on several profound themes, each woven into the larger tapestry of hisAmorettisequence.
- Mutual NourishmentLove is portrayed as a reciprocal relationship in which both partners feed and sustain each other’s happiness and growth.
- Union of Body and SoulThe sonnet suggests that true love engages both physical desire and spiritual connection, blending them into a harmonious whole.
- Idealized DevotionThe love described is pure, elevating the lovers above mere earthly attraction and toward a higher, almost divine, partnership.
Mutual Nourishment and Love
One of the key ideas in Sonnet XLVII is that love is like a feast in which both participants offer sustenance. This sustenance is not only physical, in the form of beauty and presence, but also emotional and spiritual, in the form of affection, comfort, and moral support. Spenser draws on imagery of feeding and being fed, suggesting that love cannot thrive if it is one-sided; it must be a shared banquet where each lover gives and receives.
Physical and Spiritual Sustenance
Spenser’s imagery extends beyond the literal to show that the body feeds on beauty and affection, while the soul feeds on virtue and kindness. This dual nourishment ensures that love is complete, addressing the needs of the whole person. For Spenser, love that neglects either the physical or the spiritual is incomplete and unsustainable.
Imagery and Symbolism
Spenser’s sonnet is rich in imagery that blends sensual and sacred associations. The feast motif is central, representing abundance, pleasure, and mutual satisfaction. It also has spiritual undertones, evoking the idea of communion and shared blessing.
- Feast ImagerySymbolizes mutual giving and shared joy in love.
- Heart and SoulSuggests that the deepest sustenance in love comes from inner virtues rather than outward appearances alone.
- Exchange and ReciprocityEmphasizes that love is strongest when it is balanced and mutual.
The Relationship Between Body and Soul
In Sonnet XLVII, Spenser insists that love should engage both body and soul. He resists the idea that physical beauty alone is sufficient to sustain love, or that purely spiritual affection can ignore physical attraction. Instead, he presents an integrated view the body is nourished by beauty and tenderness, while the soul thrives on virtue and emotional intimacy.
A Balanced Vision of Love
By promoting a balance between physical and spiritual nourishment, Spenser aligns with Renaissance humanist ideals, which valued the harmony of body and soul. This reflects a broader cultural movement of the time that sought to integrate sensual enjoyment with moral responsibility.
Language and Style
Spenser’s choice of language in Sonnet XLVII is both elevated and accessible. His diction draws from the rich vocabulary of Elizabethan English, yet the imagery is rooted in familiar experiences of dining, sharing, and caring. This accessibility makes the philosophical themes of the poem more immediate and relatable to readers.
Musicality of the Verse
The interlocking rhyme scheme creates a continuous flow, mirroring the ongoing exchange of love between the two partners. The sonnet’s rhythm, typically in iambic pentameter, lends a steady, heartbeat-like cadence that reinforces the theme of mutual life-giving connection.
Interpretations of the Closing Couplet
The final couplet in Sonnet XLVII serves as a distillation of the entire poem’s message. Spenser reaffirms that love is sustained when both lovers actively nurture each other. This reciprocal care becomes the foundation for enduring happiness, transcending fleeting pleasures or superficial attraction.
Enduring Relevance
The couplet’s message resonates beyond its Renaissance context, offering a timeless reminder that successful relationships require ongoing mutual investment. It is a principle that applies as much to friendships and partnerships today as it did in Spenser’s time.
Place Within the Amoretti Sequence
WithinAmoretti, Sonnet XLVII follows and precedes other sonnets that develop the idea of love as a partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared growth. While earlier sonnets may dwell more on admiration or longing, Sonnet XLVII offers a mature reflection on what sustains love over time.
Progression of the Sequence
The sequence as a whole traces a journey from initial attraction to spiritual union, culminating in marriage. Sonnet XLVII sits in the midst of this journey, capturing the moment when love is recognized as a shared responsibility and gift.
Legacy of Spenser’s Love Poetry
Spenser’s vision of love in Sonnet XLVII has influenced countless poets and continues to attract scholarly attention. Its emphasis on reciprocity, integration of body and soul, and use of rich, accessible imagery make it a standout within his body of work and within the tradition of English sonnet writing.
Influence on Later Writers
Later poets, both in the sonnet tradition and beyond, have drawn on Spenser’s example to explore the interplay between physical attraction and spiritual connection. His balanced vision remains a counterpoint to more one-sided portrayals of love in literature.
Sonnet XLVII by Edmund Spenser offers a thoughtful meditation on the nature of love as mutual nourishment for both body and soul. Through his intricate structure, vivid imagery, and harmonious blending of sensual and spiritual themes, Spenser invites readers to see love not as a fleeting passion but as a sustaining feast shared by two equals. The sonnet stands as a testament to the enduring power of reciprocal care and remains as relevant to modern understandings of love as it was in the Elizabethan era.