2. ABOUT THE POET
EDMUND SPENSER
The great English Renaissance poet
Born in 1552 in London
His father was john Spenser and mother was
Elizabeth
Educated at Merchant Taylor’s School
He spent seven years at Pembroke Hall
Cambridge and took his M A Degree in 1576
3. INTRODUCTION
The Poem Prothalamion by
Edmund Spenser
This is a specific example of Wedding poetry and a
wedding themed poem. This section provides a
selection of different types of Wedding poetry and
poem by a famous Poet. The Wedding poetry and
poems have been selected to cover all aspect of this
kind of poetry and poem. The following poem
Prothalamion by Edmund Spenser from this famous
poet can be used as an example of wedding poetry.
4. Analysis of the poem
Prothalamion is written in the
conventional form of a marriage
song
The poem begins with a
description of the River Thames
where Spenser finds two beautiful
maidens.
5. The poem begins with a fine description of the day
when on which he is writing the poem.
"Calm was the day and through the trembling air/The
sweet breathing Zephyrus did softly play.“
The poet is standing near the Thames River and finds
a group of nymphs with baskets collecting flowers for
the new brides.
6. The poet tells us that they are happily making the
bridal crowns for Elizabeth and Katherine.
He goes on his poem describing two swans at the
Thames, relating it to the myth of Jove and Leda.
According to the myth, Jove falls in love with Leda and
comes to court her in the guise of a beautiful swan.
7. The poet feels that the Thames has done justice to his
nuptial song by "flowing softly" according to his
request:
: "Sweet Thames run softly till I end my song." The
poem is often grouped with Spenser's poem about his
own marriage,
