Edmund Spenser’s famous collection of sonnets, Amoretti, is a series of love sonnets dedicated to Elizabeth Boyle, the lady of his dreams whom he pursues and eventually marries in 1594. The term “amoretti” is literally defined as “little loves” or “little cupids.” Spenser closely follows many conventions of the Elizabethan sonnets, but in some ways his sonnets deviate from the norm for this era. For instance, many Elizabethan sonnets call on the idea of the Muses, the mythological Greek goddesses that provided inspiration for literature, science, and the arts. Spenser frequently references the Muses in his sonnets. Edmund Spenser’s sonnets follow the Spenserian sonnet form, which is a slight variation of the English (Shakespearean) sonnet.
1. From the Amoretti
by
Edmund Spenser
The word 'Amoretti' means 'little love poems.'
The Amoretti sonnets were written to
Elizabeth Boyle, Spenser's second wife,
during their courtship. Because the sonnets
were all written to one woman, this was
unusual. Also, many Petrarchan sonnets of
the day were written to unattainable women,
some of who were married to other men. The
poets didn't exactly expect to win the hearts
of these women, but rather worshiped them
from afar.
Spenser, however, clearly adored Elizabeth
and focused every poem upon her. In
addition, other sonnets of the time displayed
moods of despair over ever winning the
woman's heart, but Spenser's honest feelings
for just one attainable woman sets these
sonnets apart.
